Under the Lilacs - Chapter 14
时间：2021-01-21 08:50:11
（单词翻译:单击）
Putting all care behind them, the young folks ran down the hill, with a very lively dog gambolling1 beside them, and took a delightfully2 tantalizing3 survey of the external charms of the big tent. But people were beginning to go in, and it was impossible to delay when they came round to the entrance.
Ben felt that now "his foot was on his native heath," and the superb air of indifference4 with which he threw down his dollar at the ticket-office, carelessly swept up the change, and strolled into the tent with his hands in his pockets, was so impressive that even big Sam repressed his excitement and meekly5 followed their leader, as he led them from cage to cage, doing the honors as if he owned the whole concern. Bab held tight to the flap of his jacket, staring about her with round eyes, and listening with little gasps7 of astonishment8 or delight to the roaring of lions, the snarling9 of tigers, the chatter10 of the monkeys, the groaning11 of camels, and the music of the very brass12 band shut up in a red bin13.
Five elephants were tossing their hay about in the middle of the menagerie, and Billy's legs shook under him as he looked up at the big beasts whose long noses and small, sagacious eyes filled him with awe14. Sam was so tickled15 by the droll16 monkeys that the others left him before the cage and went on to see the zebra, "striped just like Ma's muslin gown," Bab declared. But the next minute she forgot all about him in her raptures17 over the ponies18 and their tiny colts; especially one mite19 of a thing who lay asleep on the hay, such a miniature copy of its little mouse-colored mamma that one could hardly believe it was alive.
"Oh, Ben, I must feel of it! - the cunning baby horse!" and down went Bab inside the rope to pat and admire the pretty creature, while its mother smelt20 suspiciously at the brown hat, and baby lazily opened one eye to see what was going on.
"Come out of that, it isn't allowed" commanded Ben, longing21 to do the same thing, but mindful of the proprieties22 and his own dignity.
Bab reluctantly tore herself away to find consolation23 in watching the young lions, who looked so like big puppies, and the tigers washing their faces just as puss did.
"If I stroked 'em, wouldn't they purr?" she asked, bent24 on enjoying herself, while Ben held her skirts lest she should try the experiment.
"You'd better not go to patting them, or you'll get your hands clawed up. Tigers do purr like fun when they are happy, but these fellers never are, and you'll only see 'em spit and snarl," said Ben, leading the way to the humpy carrels, who were peacefully chewing their cud and longing for the desert, with a dreamy, far-away look in their mournful eyes.
Here, leaning on the rope, and scientifically biting a straw while he talked, Ben played showman to his heart's content till the neigh of a horse from the circus tent beyond reminded him of the joys to come.
"We'd better hurry along and get good seats before folks begin to crowd. I want to sit near the curtain and see if any of Smitthers's lot are 'round."
"I ain't going way off there; you can't see half so well, and that big drum makes such a noise you can't hear yourself think," said Sam, who had rejoined them.
So they settled in good places where they could see and hear all that went on in the ring and still catch glimpses of white horses, bright colors, and the glitter of helmets beyond the dingy25 red curtains. Ben treated Bab to peanuts and pop-corn like an indulgent parent, and she murmured protestations of undying gratitude26 with her mouth full, as she sat blissfully between him and the congenial Billy.
Sancho, meantime, had been much excited by the familiar sights and sounds, and now was greatly exercised in his doggish mind at the unusual proceeding27 of his master; for he was sure that they ought to be within there, putting on their costumes, ready to take their turn. He looked anxiously at Ben, sniffed28 disdainfully at the strap29 as if to remind him that a scarlet30 ribbon ought to take its place, and poked31 peanut shells about with his paw as if searching for the letters with which to spell his famous name.
"I know, old boy, I know; but it can't be done. We've quit the busin'ess and must just look on. No larks32 for us this time, Sanch, so keep quiet and behave,' whispered Ben, tucking the dog away under the seat with a sympathetic cuddle of the curly head that peeped out from between his feet.
"He wants to go and cut up, don't he?" said Billy, "and so do you, I guess. Wish you were going to. Wouldn't it be fun to see Ben showing off in there?"
"I'd be afraid to have him go up on a pile of elephants and jump through hoops33 like these folks," answered Bab, poring over her pictured play-bill with unabated relish34.
"Done it a hundred times, and I'd just like to show you what I can do. They don't seem to have any boys in this lot; shouldn't wonder if they'd take me if I asked 'em," said Ben, moving uneasily on his seat and casting wistful glances toward the inner tent where he knew he would feel more at home than in his present place.
"I heard some men say that it's against the law to have small boys now; it's so dangerous and not good for them, this kind of thing. If that's so, you're done for, Ben," observed Sam, with his most grown-up air, remembering Ben's remarks on "fat boys."
"Don't believe a word of it, and Sanch and I could go this minute and get taken on, I'll bet. We are a valuable couple, and I could prove it if I chose to," began Ben, getting excited and boastful.
"Oh, see, they're coming! - gold carriages and lovely horses, and flags and elephants, and every thing," cried Bab, giving a clutch at Ben's arm as the opening procession appeared headed by the band, tooting and banging till their faces were as red as their uniforms.
Round and round they went till every one had seen their fill, then the riders alone were left caracoling about the ring with feathers flying, horses prancing35, and performers looking as tired and indifferent as if they would all like to go to sleep then and there.
"How splendid!" sighed Bab, as they went dashing out, to tumble off almost before the horses stopped.
"That's nothing! You wait till you see the bareback riding and the 'acrobatic exercises,'" said Ben, quoting from the play-bill, with the air of one who knew all about the feats36 to come, and could never be surprised any more.
"What are 'crowbackic exercises'?" asked Billy, thirsting for information.
"Leaping and climbing and tumbling; you'll see George! what a stunning37 horse!" and Ben forgot every thing else to feast his eyes on the handsome creature who now came pacing in to dance, upset and replace chairs, kneel, bow, and perform many wonderful or graceful38 feats, ending with a swift gallop39 while the rider sat in a chair on its back fanning himself, with his legs crossed, as comfortably as you please.
"That, now, is something like," and Ben's eyes shone with admiration40 and envy as the pair vanished, and the pink and silver acrobats41 came leaping into the ring.
The boys were especially interested in this part, and well they might be; for strength and agility42 are manly43 attributes which lads appreciate, and these lively fellows flew about like India-rubber balls, each trying to outdo the other, till the leader of the acrobats capped the climax44 by turning a double somersault over five elephants standing45 side by side.
"There, Sir, how's that for a jump?" asked Ben, rubbing his hands with satisfaction as his friends clapped till their palms tingled46.
"Where'll you get your elephants?" asked Sam, scornfully. for gymnastics were not in his line.
"You'll do for one," retorted Ben, and Billy and Bab joined in his laugh so heartily48 that a rough-looking, man who sat behind them, hearing all they said, pronounced them a "jolly set," and kept his eye on Sancho, who now showed signs of insubordination.
"Hullo, that wasn't on the bill!" cried Ben, as a parti-colored clown came in, followed by half a dozen dogs.
"I'm so glad; now Sancho will like it. There's a poodle that might be his ownty donty brother - the one with the blue ribbon," said Bab. beaming with delight as the dogs took their seats in the chairs arranged for them.
Sancho did like it only too well, for be scrambled49 out from under the seat in a great hurry to go and greet his friends; and, being sharply checked, sat up and begged so piteously that Ben found it very hard to refuse and order him down. He subsided50 for a moment, but when the black spaniel, who acted the canine51 clown, did something funny and was applauded, Sancho made a dart52 as if bent on leaping into the ring to outdo his rival, and Ben was forced to box his ears and put his feet on the poor beast, fearing he would be ordered out if he made any disturbance53.
Too well trained to rebel again, Sancho lay meditating54 on his wrongs till the dog act was over, carefully abstaining55 from any further sign of interest in their tricks, and only giving a sidelong glance at the two little poodles who came out of a basket to run up and down stairs on their fore-paws, dance jigs56 on their hind-legs, and play various pretty pranks57 to the great delight of all the children in the audience. If ever a dog expressed by look and attitude, "Pooh! I could do much better than that, and astonish you all, if I were only allowed to," that dog was Sancho, as he curled himself up and affected58 to turn his back on an unappreciative world.
"It's too bad, when he knows motr than all those chaps put together. I'd give any thing if I could show him off as I used to. Folks always like it, and I was ever so proud of him. He's mad now because I had to cuff59 him, and won't take any notice of me till I make up," said Ben, regretfully eying his offended friend, but not daring to beg pardon yet.
More riding followed, and Bab was kept in a breathless state by the marvellous agility and skill of the gauzy lady who drove four horses at once, leaped through hoops, over banners and bars, sprang off and on at full speed, and seemed to enjoy it all so much it was impossible to believe that there could be any danger or exertion60 in it. Then two girls flew about on the trapeze, and walked on a tight rope, causing Bab to feel that she had at last found her sphere; for, young as she was, her mother often said,
"I'll fix the clothes-line when I get home, and show Ma how nice it is. Then, may be, she'd let me wear red and gold trousers, and climb round like these girls," thought the busy little brain, much excited by all it saw on that memorable62 day.
Nothing short of a pyramid of elephants with a glittering gentleman in a turban and top boots on the summit would have made her forget this new and charming plan. But that astonishing spectacle, and the prospect63 of a cage of Bengal tigers with a man among them, in imminent64 danger of being eaten before her eyes, entirely65 absorbed her thoughts till, just as the big animals went lumbering66 out, a peal67 of thunder caused considerable commotion68 in the audience. Men on the highest seats popped their heads through the openings in the tent-cover and reported that a heavy shower was coming up. Anxious mothers began to collect their flocks of children as hens do their chickens at sunset; timid people told cheerful stories of tents blown over in gales69, cages upset and wild beasts let loose. Many left in haste, and the performers hurried to finish as soon as possible.
"I'm going now before the crowd comes, so I can get a lift home. I see two or three folks I know, so I'm off;" and, climbing hastily down, Sam vanished without further ceremony.
"Better wait till the shower is over. We can go and see the animals again, and get home all dry, just as well as not," observed Ben, encouragingly, as Billy looked anxiously at the billowing canvas over his head, the swaying posts before him, and heard the quick patter of drops outside, not to mention the melancholy70 roar of the lion which sounded rather awful through the sudden gloom which filled the strange place.
"I wouldn't miss the tigers for any thing. See, they are pulling in the cart now, and the shiny man is all ready with his gun. Will he shoot any of them, apprehension71, for the sharp crack of a rifle startled her more than the loudest thunder-clap she ever heard.
"Bless you, no, child; it 's only powder to make a noise and scare 'em. I wouldn't like to be in his place, though; father says you can never trust tigers as you can lions, no matter how tame they are. Sly fellers, like cats, and when they scratch it's no joke, I tell you," answered Ben, with a knowing wag of the head, as the sides of the cage rattled72 down, and the poor, fierce creatures were seen leaping and snarling as if they resented this display of their captivity73.
Bab curled up her feet and winked74 fast with excitement as she watched the "shiny man" fondle the great cats, lie down among them, pull open their red mouths, and make them leap over him or crouch75 at his feet as be snapped the long whip. When he fired the gun and they all fell as if dead, she with difficulty suppressed a small scream and clapped her hands over her ears; but poor Billy never minded it a bit, for he was pale and quaking with the fear of "heaven's artillery76" thundering overhead, and as a bright flash of lightning seemed to run down the tall tent-poles he hid his eyes and wished with all his heart that he was safe with mother.
"Afraid of thunder, Bill?" asked Ben, trying to speak stoutly77, while a sense of his own responsibilities began to worry him, for how was Bab to be got home in such a pouring rain?
"It makes me sick; always did. Wish I hadn't come," sighed Billy, feeling, all too late, that lemonade and "lozengers" were not the fittest food for man, or a stifling78 tent the best place to be in on a hot July day, especially in a thunder-storm.
"I didn't ask you to come; you asked me; so it isn't my fault," said Ben, rather gruffly, as people crowded by without pausing to hear the comic song the clown was singing in spite of the confusion.
"You'll be tireder before you get home, I guess. Nobody asked you to Come, any way;" and Ben gazed dolefully round him, wishing he could see a familiar face or find a wiser head than his own to help him out of the scrape he was in.
"I said I wouldn't be a bother, and I won't. I'll walk right home this minute. I ain't afraid of thunder, and the rain won't hurt these old clothes. Come along," cried Bab, bravely, bent on keeping her word, though it looked much harder after the fun was all over than before.
"My head aches like fury. Don't I wish old Jack6 was here to take me back," said Billy, following his companions in misfortune with sudden energy, as a louder peal than before rolled overhead.
"You might as well wish for Lita and the covered wagon80 while you are about it, then we could all ride," answered Ben, leading the way to the outer tent, where many people were lingering in hopes of fair weather.
"Why, Billy Barton, how in the world did you get here?" cried a surprised voice as the crook81 of a cane82 caught the boy by the collar and jerked him face to face with a young farmer, who was pushing along, followed by his, wife and two or three children.
"Oh, Uncle Eben, I'm so glad you found Me! I walked over, and it's raining, and I don't feel well. Let me go with you, can't I?" asked Billy, casting himself and all his woes83 upon the strong arm that had laid hold of him.
"Don't see what your mother was about to let you come so far alone, and you just over scarlet fever. We are as full as ever we can be, but we'll tuck you in somehow," said the pleasant-faced woman, bundling up her baby, and bidding the two little lads "keep close to father."
"I didn't come alone. Sam got a ride, and can't you tuck Ben and Bab in too? They ain't very big, either of them," whispered Billy, anxious to serve his friends now that he was provided for himself.
"Can't do it, any way. Got to pick up mother at the corner, and that will be all I can carry. It's lifting a little; hurry along, Lizzie, and let us get out of this as quick is possible," said Uncle Eben, impatiently; for going to a circus with a young family is not an easy task, as every one knows who has ever tried it.
"Ben, I'm real sorry there isn't room for you. I'll tell Bab's mother where she is, and may be some one will come for you," said Billy, hurriedly, as he tore himself away, feeling rather mean to desert the others, though he could be of no use.
"Cut away, and don't mind us. I'm all right, and Bab must do the best she can," was all Ben had time to answer before his comrade was hustled84 away by the crowd pressing round the entrance with much clashing of umbrellas and scrambling85 of boys and men, who rather enjoyed the flurry.
"No use for us to get knocked about in that scrimmage. We'll wait a minute and then go out easy. It's a regular rouser, and you'll be as wet as a sop86 before we get home. Hope you'll like that?" added Ben, looking out at the heavy rain poring down as if it never meant to stop.
"Don't care a bit," said Bab, swinging on one of the ropes with a happy-go-lucky air, for her spirits were not extinguished yet, and she was bound to enjoy this exciting holiday to the very end. "I like circuses so much! I wish I lived here all the time, and slept in a wagon, as you did, and had these dear little colties to play with."
"It wouldn't be fun if you didn't have any folks to take care of you," began Ben, thoughtfully looking about the familiar place where the men were now feeding the animals, setting their refreshment87 tables, or lounging on the hay to get such rest as they could before the evening entertainment. Suddenly he started, gave a long look, then turned to Bab, and thrusting Sancho's strap into her hand, said, hastily:
"I see a fellow I used to know. May be he can tell me something about father. Don't you stir till I come back."
Then he was off like a shot, and Bab saw him run after a man with a bucket who bad been watering the zebra. Sancho tried to follow, but was checked with an impatient, -
"No, you can't go! What a plague you are, tagging around when people don't want you."
Sancho might have answered, "So are you," but, being a gentlemanly dog, he sat down with a resigned expression to watch the little colts, who were now awake and seemed ready for a game of bo-peep behind their mammas. Bab enjoyed their funny little frisks so much that she tied the wearisome strap to a post, and crept under the rope to pet the tiny mouse-colored one who came and talked to her with baby whinnies and confiding88 glances of its soft, dark eyes.
"Oh, luckless Bab! why did you turn your back? Oh, too accomplished89 Sancho! why did you neatly90 untie91 that knot and trot92 away to confer with the disreputable bull-dog who stood in the entrance beckoning93 with friendly wavings of an abbreviated94 tail? Oh, much afflicted95 Ben! why did you delay till it was too late to save your pet from the rough man who set his foot upon the trailing strap, and led poor Sanch quickly out of sight among the crowd?
"It was Bascum, but he didn't know any thing. Why, where's Sanch?" said Ben, returning. A breathless voice made Bab turn to see Ben looking about him with as much alarm in his hot face as if the dog had been a two years' child.
"I tied him - he's here somewhere - with the ponies," stammered96 Bab, in sudden dismay, for no sign of a dog appeared as her eyes roved wildly to and fro.
Ben whistled, called and searched in vain, till one of the lounging men said, lazily,
"If you are looking after the big poodle you'd better go outside; I saw him trotting97 off with another dog."
Away rushed Ben, with Bab following, regardless of the rain, for both felt that a great misfortune had befallen them. But, long before this, Sancho had vanished, and no one minded his indignant howls as he was driven off in a covered cart.
"If he is lost I'll never forgive you; never, never, never!" and Ben found it impossible to resist giving Bab several hard shakes, which made her yellow braids fly up and down like pump handles.
"I'm dreadful sorry. He'll come back - you said he always did," pleaded Bab, quite crushed by her own afflictions, and rather scared to see Ben look so fierce, for he seldom lost his temper or was rough with the little girls.
"If he doesn't come back, don't you speak to me for a year. Now, I'm going home." And, feeling that words were powerless to express his emotions, Ben walked away, looking as grim as a small boy could.
A more unhappy little lass is seldom to be found than Bab was, as she pattered after him, splashing recklessly through the puddles98, and getting as wet and muddy as possible, as a sort of penance99 for her sins. For a mile or two she trudged100 stoutly along, while Ben marched before in solemn silence, which soon became both impressive and oppressive because so unnsual, and such a proof of his deep displeasure. Penitent101 Bab longed for just one word, one sign of relenting; and when none came, she began to wonder how she could possibly bear it if he kept his dreadful threat and did not speak to her for a whole year.
But presently her own discomfort102 absorbed her, for her feet were wet and cold as well as very tired; pop-corn and peanuts were not particularly nourishing food; and hunger made her feel faint; excitement was a new thing, and now that it was over she longed to lie down and go to sleep; then the long walk with a circus at the end seemed a very different affair from the homeward trip with a distracted mother awaiting her. The shower had subsided into a dreary103 drizzle104, a chilly105 east wind blew up, the hilly road seemed to lengthen106 before the weary feet, and the mute, blue flannel107 figure going on so fast with never a look or sound, added the last touch to Bab's remorseful108 anguish109.
Wagons110 passed, but all were full, and no one offered a ride. Men and boys went by with rough jokes on the forlorn pair, for rain soon made them look like young tramps. But there was no brave Sancho to resent the impertinence, and this fact was sadly brought to both their minds by the appearance of a great Newfoundland dog who came trotting after a carriage. The good creature stopped to say a friendly word in his dumb fashion, looking up at Bab with benevolent111 eyes, and poking112 his nose into Ben's hand before he bounded away with his plumy tail curled over his back.
Ben started as the cold nose touched his fingers, gave the soft head a lingering pat, and watched the dog out of sight through a thicker mist than any the rain made. But Bab broke down; for the wistful look of the creature's eyes reminded her of lost Sancho, and she sobbed113 quietly as she glanced back longing to see the dear old fellow jogging along in the rear.
Ben heard the piteous sound and took a sly peep over his shoulder, seeing such a mournful spectacle that he felt appeased114, saying to himself as if to excuse his late sternness, -
"She is a naughty girl, but I guess she is about sorry enough now. When we get to that sign-post I'll speak to her, only I won't forgive her till Sanch comes back."
But he was better than his word; for, just before the post was reached, Bab, blinded by tears, tripped over the root of a tree, and, rolling down the bank, landed in a bed of wet nettles115. Ben had her out in a jiffy, and vainly tried to comfort her; but she was past any consolation he could offer, and roared dismally116 as she wrung117 her tingling118 hands, with great drops running over her cheeks almost as fast as the muddy little rills ran down the road.
"Oh dear, oh dear! I'm all stinged up, and I want my supper; and my feet ache, and I'm cold, and every thing is so horrid119!" wailed120 the poor child lying on the grass, such a miserable121 little wet bunch that the sternest parent would have melted at the sight.
"Don't cry so, Babby; I was real cross, and I'm sorry. I'll forgive you right away now, and never shake you any more," cried Ben, so full of pity for her tribulations122 that he forgot his own, like a generous little man.
"Shake me again, if you want to; I know I was very bad to tag and lose Sanch. I never will any more, and I'm so sorry, I don't know what to do," answered Bab, completely bowed down by this magnanimity.
"Never mind; you just wipe up your face and come along, and we'll tell Ma all about it, and she'll fix us as nice as can be. I shouldn't wonder if Sanch got home now before we did," said Ben, cheering himself as well as her by the fond hope.
"I don't believe I ever shall. I'm so tired my legs won't go, and the water in my boots makes them feel dreadfully. I wish that boy would wheel me a piece. Don't you s'pose he would? asked Bab, wearily picking herself up as a tall lad trundling a barrow came out of a yard near by.
"Hullo, Joslyn!" said Ben, recognizing the boy as one of the "hill fellows" who came to town Saturday nights for play or business.
"Hullo, Brown!" responded the other, arresting his squeaking123 progress with signs of surprise at the moist tableau124 before him.
"Where goin'?" asked Ben with masculine brevity.
"Got to carry this home, hang the old thing."
"Where to?"
"Goin' that way, take it right along."
"She's tired, wants a ride; I'll leave it all right, true as I live and breathe," explained Ben, half ashamed yet anxious to get his little responsibility home as soon as possible, for mishaps127 seemed to thicken.
"Ho, you couldn't cart her all that way! she's most as heavy as a bag of meal," jeered128 the taller lad, amused at the proposition.
"I'm stronger than most fellers of my size. Try, if I ain't," and Ben squared off in such scientific style that Joslyn responded with sudden amiability129, -
"All right, let's see you do it."
Bab huddled130 into her new equipage without the least fear, and Ben trundled her off at a good pace, while the boy retired131 to the shelter of a barn to watch their progress, glad to be rid of an irksome errand.
At first, all went well, for the way was down hill, and the wheel squeaked132 briskly round and round; Bab smiled gratefully upon her bearer, and Ben "went in on his muscle with a will," as he expressed it. But presently the road grew sandy, began to ascend133, and the load seemed to grow heavier with every step.
"I'll get out now. It's real nice, but I guess I am too heavy," said Bab, as the face before her got redder and redder, and the breath began to come in puffs134.
"Sit still. He said I couldn't. I'm not going to give in with him looking on," panted Ben, and he pushed gallantly135 up the rise, over the grassy136 lawn to the side gate of the Batchelors' door-yard, with his head down, teeth set, and every muscle of his slender body braced137 to the task.
"Did ever ye see the like of that now? Ah, ha!
"The streets were so wide, and the lanes were so narry,
He brought his wife home on a little wheelbarry,"
sung a voice with an accent which made Ben drop his load and push back his hat, to see Pat's red head looking over the fence.
To have his enemy behold138 him then and there was the last bitter drop in poor Ben's cup of humiliation139. A shrill140 approving whistle from the hill was some comfort, however, and gave him spirit to help Bab out with composure, though his hands were blistered141 and he had hardly breath enough to issue the Command, -
"Go along home, and don't mind him."
"Nice childer, ye are, runnin' off this way, settin' the women distracted, and me wastin' me time comin' after ye when I'd be milkin' airly so I'd get a bit of pleasure the day," grumbled142 Pat, coming up to untie the Duke, whose Roman nose Ben had already recognized, as well as the roomy chaise standing before the door.
"Did Billy tell you about us?" asked Bab, gladly following toward this welcome refuge.
"Faith he did, and the Squire143 sent me to fetch ye home quiet and aisy. When ye found me, I'd jist stopped here to borry a light for me pipe. Up wid ye, b'y, and not be wastin' me time stramashin' after a spalpeen that I'd like to lay me whip over," said Pat, gruffly, as Ben came along, having left the barrow in the shed.
"Don't you wish you could? You needn't wait for me; I'll come when I'm ready," answered Ben dodging144 round the chaise, bound not to mind Pat, if he spent the night by the road-side in consequence.
"Bedad, and I won't then. It's lively ye are; but four legs is better than two, as ye'll find this night, me young man."
With that he whipped up and was off before Bab could say a word to persuade Ben to humble145 himself for the sake of a ride. She lamented146 and Pat chuckled147, both forgetting what an agile148 monkey the boy was, and as neither looked back, they were unaware149 Master Ben was hanging on behind among the straps150 and springs, making derisive151 grimaces152 at his unconscious foe153 through the little glass in the leathern back.
At the lodge154 gate Ben jumped down to run before with whoops155 of naughty satisfaction, which brought the anxious waiters to the door in a flock; so Pat could only shake his fist at the exulting156 little rascal157 as he drove away, leaving the wanderers to be welcomed as warmly as if they were a pair of model children.
Mrs. Moss158 had not been very much troubled after all; for Cy had told her that Bab went after Ben, and Billy had lately reported her safe arrival among them, so, mother-like, she fed, dried, and warmed the runaways159, before she scolded them.
Even then, the lecture was a mild one, for when they tried to tell the adventures which to them seemed so exciting, not to say tragical160, the effect astonished them immensely, as their audience went into gales of laughter, especially at the wheelbarrow episode, which Pat insisted on telling, with grateful minuteness, to Ben's confusion. Thorny161 shouted, and even tender-hearted Betty forgot her tears over the lost dog to join in the familiar melody when Bab mimicked162 Pat's quotation163 from Mother Goose.
"We must not laugh any more, or these naughty children will think they have done something very clever in running away," said Miss Celia, when the fun subsided, adding, soberly, "I am displeased164, but I will say nothing, for I think Ben is already punished enough."
"Guess I am," muttered Ben, with a choke in his voice as he glanced toward the empty mat where a dear curly bunch used to be with a bright eye twinkling out of the middle of it.
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gambolling
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| v.蹦跳，跳跃，嬉戏( gambol的现在分词 ) | |
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delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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tantalizing
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| adj.逗人的；惹弄人的；撩人的；煽情的v.逗弄，引诱，折磨( tantalize的现在分词 ) | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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meekly
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| adv.温顺地，逆来顺受地 | |
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jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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gasps
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| v.喘气( gasp的第三人称单数 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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8
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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9
snarling
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| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的现在分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
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10
chatter
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| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
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groaning
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| adj. 呜咽的, 呻吟的 动词groan的现在分词形式 | |
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12
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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13
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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14
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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15
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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16
droll
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| adj.古怪的，好笑的 | |
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17
raptures
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| 极度欢喜( rapture的名词复数 ) | |
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18
ponies
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| 矮种马，小型马( pony的名词复数 )； ￡25 25 英镑 | |
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19
mite
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| n.极小的东西；小铜币 | |
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20
smelt
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| v.熔解，熔炼；n.银白鱼，胡瓜鱼 | |
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21
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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22
proprieties
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| n.礼仪，礼节；礼貌( propriety的名词复数 )；规矩；正当；合适 | |
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23
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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24
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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25
dingy
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| adj.昏暗的，肮脏的 | |
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26
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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27
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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28
sniffed
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| v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的过去式和过去分词 )；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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29
strap
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| n.皮带，带子；v.用带扣住，束牢；用绷带包扎 | |
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30
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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31
poked
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| v.伸出( poke的过去式和过去分词 )；戳出；拨弄；与（某人）性交 | |
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32
larks
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| n.百灵科鸟（尤指云雀）( lark的名词复数 )；一大早就起床；鸡鸣即起；（因太费力而不想干时说）算了v.百灵科鸟（尤指云雀）( lark的第三人称单数 )；一大早就起床；鸡鸣即起；（因太费力而不想干时说）算了 | |
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33
hoops
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| n.箍( hoop的名词复数 )；（篮球）篮圈；（旧时儿童玩的）大环子；（两端埋在地里的）小铁弓 | |
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34
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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35
prancing
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| v.（马）腾跃( prance的现在分词 ) | |
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36
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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37
stunning
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| adj.极好的；使人晕倒的 | |
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38
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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39
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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40
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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41
acrobats
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| n.杂技演员( acrobat的名词复数 )；立场观点善变的人，主张、政见等变化无常的人 | |
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42
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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43
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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44
climax
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| n.顶点；高潮；v.(使)达到顶点 | |
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45
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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46
tingled
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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47
emulation
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| n.竞争；仿效 | |
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48
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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49
scrambled
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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50
subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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51
canine
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| adj.犬的，犬科的 | |
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52
dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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53
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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54
meditating
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| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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55
abstaining
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| 戒（尤指酒），戒除( abstain的现在分词 )； 弃权（不投票） | |
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56
jigs
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| n.快步舞（曲）极快地( jig的名词复数 )；夹具v.（使）上下急动( jig的第三人称单数 ) | |
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57
pranks
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| n.玩笑，恶作剧( prank的名词复数 ) | |
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58
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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59
cuff
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| n.袖口；手铐；护腕；vt.用手铐铐；上袖口 | |
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60
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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61
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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62
memorable
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| adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的 | |
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63
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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64
imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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65
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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66
lumbering
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| n.采伐林木 | |
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67
peal
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| n.钟声；v.鸣响 | |
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68
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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69
gales
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| 龙猫 | |
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70
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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71
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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72
rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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73
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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74
winked
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| v.使眼色( wink的过去式和过去分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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75
crouch
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| v.蹲伏，蜷缩，低头弯腰；n.蹲伏 | |
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76
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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77
stoutly
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| adv.牢固地，粗壮的 | |
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78
stifling
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| a.令人窒息的 | |
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79
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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80
wagon
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| n.四轮马车，手推车，面包车；无盖运货列车 | |
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81
crook
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| v.使弯曲；n.小偷，骗子，贼；弯曲(处) | |
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82
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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83
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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84
hustled
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| 催促（hustle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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85
scrambling
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的现在分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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86
sop
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| n.湿透的东西，懦夫；v.浸，泡，浸湿 | |
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87
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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88
confiding
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|
| adj.相信人的，易于相信的v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的现在分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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89
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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90
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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91
untie
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| vt.解开，松开；解放 | |
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92
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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93
beckoning
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| adj.引诱人的，令人心动的v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的现在分词 ) | |
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94
abbreviated
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| adj. 简短的，省略的 动词abbreviate的过去式和过去分词 | |
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95
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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96
stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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97
trotting
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| 小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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98
puddles
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| n.水坑， （尤指道路上的）雨水坑( puddle的名词复数 ) | |
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99
penance
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| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
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100
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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101
penitent
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| adj.后悔的；n.后悔者；忏悔者 | |
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102
discomfort
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| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
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103
dreary
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| adj.令人沮丧的，沉闷的，单调乏味的 | |
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104
drizzle
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| v.下毛毛雨；n.毛毛雨，蒙蒙细雨 | |
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105
chilly
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| adj.凉快的，寒冷的 | |
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106
lengthen
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| vt.使伸长，延长 | |
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107
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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108
remorseful
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| adj.悔恨的 | |
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109
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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110
wagons
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| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
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111
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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112
poking
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| n. 刺，戳，袋 vt. 拨开，刺，戳 vi. 戳，刺，捅，搜索，伸出，行动散慢 | |
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113
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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114
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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115
nettles
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| n.荨麻( nettle的名词复数 ) | |
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116
dismally
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| adv.阴暗地，沉闷地 | |
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117
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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118
tingling
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的现在分词 ) | |
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119
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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120
wailed
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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121
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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122
tribulations
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| n.苦难( tribulation的名词复数 )；艰难；苦难的缘由；痛苦 | |
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123
squeaking
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| v.短促地尖叫( squeak的现在分词 )；吱吱叫；告密；充当告密者 | |
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124
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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125
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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126
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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mishaps
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| n.轻微的事故，小的意外( mishap的名词复数 ) | |
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128
jeered
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| v.嘲笑( jeer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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129
amiability
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| n.和蔼可亲的，亲切的，友善的 | |
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130
huddled
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| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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131
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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132
squeaked
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| v.短促地尖叫( squeak的过去式和过去分词 )；吱吱叫；告密；充当告密者 | |
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133
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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134
puffs
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| n.吸( puff的名词复数 )；（烟斗或香烟的）一吸；一缕（烟、蒸汽等）；（呼吸或风的）呼v.使喷出( puff的第三人称单数 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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135
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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136
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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137
braced
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| adj.拉牢的v.支住( brace的过去式和过去分词 )；撑牢；使自己站稳；振作起来 | |
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138
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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139
humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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140
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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141
blistered
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| adj.水疮状的，泡状的v.（使）起水泡( blister的过去式和过去分词 )；（使表皮等）涨破，爆裂 | |
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grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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143
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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144
dodging
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| n.避开，闪过，音调改变v.闪躲( dodge的现在分词 )；回避 | |
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145
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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146
lamented
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| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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147
chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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148
agile
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| adj.敏捷的，灵活的 | |
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149
unaware
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| a.不知道的，未意识到的 | |
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150
straps
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| n.带子( strap的名词复数 )；挎带；肩带；背带v.用皮带捆扎( strap的第三人称单数 )；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带 | |
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151
derisive
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| adj.嘲弄的 | |
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152
grimaces
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| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
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153
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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154
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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155
whoops
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| int.呼喊声 | |
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156
exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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157
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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158
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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159
runaways
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| （轻而易举的）胜利( runaway的名词复数 ) | |
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160
tragical
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| adj. 悲剧的, 悲剧性的 | |
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161
thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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162
mimicked
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| v.（尤指为了逗乐而）模仿( mimic的过去式和过去分词 )；酷似 | |
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163
quotation
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| n.引文，引语，语录；报价，牌价，行情 | |
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displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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