嘉莉妹妹(Sister Carrie) 第二十六章
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Chapter 26

THE AMBASSADOR FALLEN: A SEARCH FOR THE GATE

 

Carrie, left alone by Drouet, listened to his retreating steps, scarcely realising what had happened. She knew that he had stormed out. It was some moments before she questioned whether he would return, not now exactly, but ever. She looked around her upon the rooms, out of which the evening light was dying, and wondered why she did not feel quite the same towards them. She went over to the dresser and struck a match, lighting1 the gas. Then she went back to the rocker to think.

It was some time before she could collect her thoughts, but when she did, this truth began to take on importance. She was quite alone. Suppose Drouet did not come back? Suppose she should never hear anything more of him? This fine arrangement of chambers2 would not last long. She would have to quit them.

To her credit, be it said, she never once counted on Hurstwood. She could only approach that subject with a pang3 of sorrow and regret. For a truth, she was rather shocked and frightened by this evidence of human depravity. He would have tricked her without turning an eyelash. She would have been led into a newer and worse situation. And yet she could not keep out the pictures of his looks and manners. Only this one deed seemed strange and miserable4. It contrasted sharply with all she felt and knew concerning the man.

But she was alone. That was the greater thought just at present. How about that? Would she go out to work again? Would she begin to look around in the business district? The stage! Oh, yes. Drouet had spoken about that. Was there any hope there? She moved to and fro, in deep and varied5 thoughts, while the minutes slipped away and night fell completely. She had had nothing to eat, and yet there she sat, thinking it over.

She remembered that she was hungry and went to the little cupboard in the rear room where were the remains6 of one of their breakfasts. She looked at these things with certain misgivings7. The contemplation of food had more significance than usual.

While she was eating she began to wonder how much money she had. It struck her as exceedingly important, and without ado she went to look for her purse. It was on the dresser, and in it were seven dollars in bills and some change. She quailed8 as she thought of the insignificance9 of the amount and rejoiced because the rent was paid until the end of the month. She began also to think what she would have done if she had gone out into the street when she first started. By the side of that situation, as she looked at it now, the present seemed agreeable. She had a little time at least, and then, perhaps, everything would come out all right, after all.

Drouet had gone, but what of it? He did not seem seriously angry. He only acted as if he were hurry. He would come back -- of course he would. There was his cane10 in the corner. Here was one of his collars. He had left his light overcoat in the wardrobe. She looked about and tried to assure herself with the sight of a dozen such details, but, alas11, the secondary thought arrived. Supposing he did come back. Then what?

Here was another proposition nearly, if not quite, as disturbing. She would have to talk with and explain to him. He would want her to admit that he was right. It would be impossible for her to live with him.

On Friday Carrie remembered her appointment with Hurstwood, and the passing of the hour when she should, by all right of promise, have been in his company served to keep the calamity12 which had befallen her exceedingly fresh and clear. In her nervousness and stress of mind she felt it necessary to act, and consequently put on a brown street dress, and at eleven o'clock started to visit the business portion once again. She must look for work.

The rain, which threatened at twelve and began at one, served equally well to cause her to retrace13 her steps and remain within doors as it did to reduce Hurstwood's spirits and give him a wretched day.

The morrow was Saturday, a half-holiday in many business quarters, and besides it was a balmy, radiant day, with the trees and grass shining exceedingly green after the rain of the night before. When she went out the sparrows were twittering merrily in joyous14 choruses. She could not help feeling, as she looked across the lovely park, that life was a joyous thing for those who did not need to worry, and she wished over and over that something might interfere15 now to preserve for her the comfortable state which she had occupied. She did not want Drouet or his money when she thought of it, nor anything more to do with Hurstwood, but only the content and ease of mind she had experienced, for, after all, she had been happy -- happier, at least, than she was now when confronted by the necessity of making her way alone.

When she arrived in the business part it was quite eleven o'clock, and the business had little longer to run. She did not realise this at first, being affected16 by some of the old distress17 which was a result of her earlier adventure into this strenuous18 and exacting19 quarter. She wandered about, assuring herself that she was making up her mind to look for something, and at the same time feeling that perhaps it was not necessary to be in such haste about it. The thing was difficult to encounter, and she had a few days. Besides, she was not sure that she was really face to face again with the bitter problem of self-sustenance. Anyhow, there was one change for the better. She knew that she had improved in appearance. Her manner had vastly changed. Her clothes were becoming, and men -- well-dressed men, some of the kind who before had gazed at her indifferently from behind their polished railings and imposing20 office partitions -- now gazed into her face with a soft light in their eyes. In a way, she felt the power and satisfaction of the thing, but it did not wholly reassure21 her. She looked for nothing save what might come legitimately22 and without the appearance of special favour. She wanted something, but no man should buy her by false protestations or favour. She proposed to earn her living honestly.

"This store closes at one on Saturdays," was a pleasing and satisfactory legend to see upon doors which she felt she ought to enter and inquire for work. It gave her an excuse, and after encountering quite a number of them, and noting that the clock registered 12.15, she decided23 that it would be no use to seek further to-day, so she got on a car and went to Lincoln Park. There was always something to see there -- the flowers, the animals, the lake -- and she flattered herself that on Monday she would be up betimes and searching. Besides, many things might happen between now and Monday.

Sunday passed with equal doubts, worries, assurances, and heaven knows what vagaries24 of mind and spirit. Every half-hour in the day the thought would come to her most sharply, like the tail of a swishing whip, that action -- immediate25 action -- was imperative26. At other times she would look about her and assure herself that things were not so bad -- that certainly she would come out safe and sound. At such times she would think of Drouet's advice about going on the stage, and saw some chance for herself in that quarter. She decided to take up that opportunity on the morrow.

Accordingly, she arose early Monday morning and dressed herself carefully. She did not know just how such applications were made, but she took it to be a matter which related more directly to the theatre buildings. All you had to do was to inquire of some one about the theatre for the manager and ask for a position. If there was anything, you might get it, or, at least, he could tell you how.

She had had no experience with this class of individuals whatsoever27, and did not know the salacity and humour of the theatrical28 tribe. She only knew of the position which Mr. Hale occupied, but, of all things, she did not wish to encounter that personage, on account of her intimacy29 with his wife.

There was, however, at this time, one theatre, the Chicago Opera House, which was considerably30 in the public eye, and its manager, David A. Henderson, had a fair local reputation. Carrie had seen one or two elaborate performances there and had heard of several others. She knew nothing of Henderson nor of the methods of applying, but she instinctively31 felt that this would be a likely place, and accordingly strolled about in that neighbourhood. She came bravely enough to the showy entrance way, with the polished and begilded lobby, set with framed pictures out of the current attraction, leading up to the quiet box-office, but she could get no further. A noted33 comic opera comedian34 was holding forth35 that week, and the air of distinction and prosperity overawed her. She could not imagine that there would be anything in such a lofty sphere for her. She almost trembled at the audacity36 which might have carried her on to a terrible rebuff. She could find heart only to look at the pictures which were showy and then walk out. It seemed to her as if she had made a splendid escape and that it would be foolhardy to think of applying in that quarter again.

This little experience settled her hunting for one day. She looked around elsewhere, but it was from the outside. She got the location of several playhouses fixed37 in her mind -- notably38 the Grand Opera House and McVickar's, both of which were leading in attractions -- and then came away. Her spirits were materially reduced, owing to the newly restored sense of magnitude of the great interests and the insignificance of her claims upon society, such as she understood them to be.

That night she was visited by Mrs. Hale, whose chatter39 and protracted40 stay made it impossible to dwell upon her predicament or the fortune of the day. Before retiring, however, she sat down to think, and gave herself up to the most gloomy forebodings. Drouet had not put in an appearance. She had had no word from any quarter, she had spent a dollar of her precious sum in procuring41 food and paying car fare. It was evident that she would not endure long. Besides, she had discovered no resource.

In this situation her thoughts went out to her sister in Van Buren Street, whom she had not seen since the night of her flight, and to her home at Columbia City, which seemed now a part of something that could not be again. She looked for no refuge in that direction. Nothing but sorrow was brought her by thoughts of Hurstwood, which would return. That he could have chosen to dupe her in so ready a manner seemed a cruel thing.

Tuesday came, and with it appropriate indecision and speculation42. She was in no mood, after her failure of the day before, to hasten forth upon her work-seeking errand, and yet she rebuked43 herself for what she considered her weakness the day before. Accordingly she started out to revisit the Chicago Opera House, but possessed44 scarcely enough courage to approach.

She did manage to inquire at the box-office, however.

"Manager of the company or the house?" asked the smartly dressed individual who took care of the tickets. He was favourably45 impressed by Carrie's looks.

"I don't know," said Carrie, taken back by the question.

"You couldn't see the manager of the house to-day, anyhow," volunteered the young man. "He's out of town."

He noted her puzzled look, and then added: "What is it you wish to see about?"

"I want to see about getting a position," she answered.

"You'd better see the manager of the company," he returned, "but he isn't here now."

"When will he be in?" asked Carrie, somewhat relieved by this information.

"Well, you might find him in between eleven and twelve. He's here after two o'clock."

Carrie thanked him and walked briskly out, while the young man gazed after her through one of the side windows of his gilded32 coop.

"Good-looking," he said to himself, and proceeded to visions of condescensions on her part which were exceedingly flattering to himself.

One of the principal comedy companies of the day was playing an engagement at the Grand opera House. Here Carrie asked to see the manager of the company. She little knew the trivial authority of this individual, or that had there been a vacancy46 an actor would have been sent on from New York to fill it.

"His office is upstairs," said a man in the box-office.

Several persons were in the manager's office, two lounging near a window, another talking to an individual sitting at a roll-top desk -- the manager. Carrie glanced nervously47 about, and began to fear that she should have to make her appeal before the assembled company, two of whom -- the occupants of the window -- were already observing her carefully.

"I can't do it," the manager was saying; "it's a rule of Mr. Frohman's never to allow visitors back of the stage. No, no!"

Carrie timidly waited, standing48. There were chairs, but no one motioned her to be seated. The individual to whom the manager had been talking went away quite crest-fallen. That luminary49 gazed earnestly at some papers before him, as if they were of the greatest concern.

"Did you see that in the 'Herald50' this morning about Nat Goodwin, Harris?"

"No," said the person addressed. "What was it?"

"Made quite a curtain address at Hooley's last night. Better look it up."

Harris reached over to a table and began to look for the "Herald."

"What is it?" said the manager to Carrie, apparently51 noticing her for the first time. He thought he was going to be held up for free tickets.

Carrie summoned up all her courage, which was little at best. She realised that she was a novice52, and felt as if a rebuff were certain. Of this she was so sure that she only wished now to pretend she had called for advice.

"Can you tell me how to go about getting on the stage?"

It was the best way after all to have gone about the matter. She was interesting, in a manner, to the occupant of the chair, and the simplicity53 of her request and attitude took his fancy. He smiled, as did the others in the room, who, however, made some slight effort to conceal54 their humour.

"I don't know," he answered, looking her brazenly55 over. "Have you ever had any experience upon the stage?"

"A little," answered Carrie. "I have taken part in amateur performances."

She thought she had to make some sort of showing in order to retain his interest.

"Never studied for the stage?" he said, putting on an air intended as much to impress his friends with his discretion56 as Carrie.

"No, sir."

"Well, I don't know," he answered, tipping lazily back in his chair while she stood before him. "What makes you want to get on the stage?"

She felt abashed57 at the man's daring, but could only smile in answer to his engaging smirk58, and say:

"I need to make a living."

"Oh," he answered, rather taken by her trim appearance, and feeling as if he might scrape up an acquaintance with her. "That's a good reason, isn't it? Well, Chicago is not a good place for what you want to do. You ought to be in New York. There's more chance there. You could hardly expect to get started out here."

Carrie smiled genially59, grateful that he should condescend60 to advise her even so much. He noticed the smile, and put a slightly different construction on it. He thought he saw an easy chance for a little flirtation61.

"Sit down," he said, pulling a chair forward from the side of his desk and dropping his voice so that the two men in the room should not hear. Those two gave each other the suggestion of a wink62.

"Well, I'll be going, Barney," said one, breaking away and so addressing the manager. "See you this afternoon."

"All right," said the manager.

The remaining individual took up a paper as if to read.

"Did you have any idea what sort of part you would like to get?" asked the manager softly.

"Oh, no," said Carrie. "I would take anything to begin with."

"I see," he said. "Do you live here in the city?"

"Yes, sir."

The manager smiled most blandly63.

"Have you ever tried to get in as a chorus girl?" he asked, assuming a more confidential64 air.

Carrie began to feel that there was something exuberant65 and unnatural66 in his manner.

"No," she said.

"That's the way most girls begin," he went on, "who go on the stage. It's a good way to get experience."

He was turning on her a glance of the companionable and persuasive67 manner.

"I didn't know that," said Carrie.

"It's a difficult thing," he went on, "but there's always a chance, you know." Then, as if he suddenly remembered, he pulled out his watch and consulted it. "I've an appointment at two," he said, "and I've got to go to lunch now. Would you care to come and dine with me? We can talk it over there."

"Oh, no," said Carrie, the whole motive68 of the man flashing on her at once. "I have an engagement myself."

"That's too bad," he said, realising that he had been a little beforehand in his offer and that Carrie was about to go away. "Come in later. I may know of something."

"Thank you," she answered, with some trepidation69, and went out.

"She was good-looking, wasn't she?" said the manager's companion, who had not caught all the details of the game he had played.

"Yes, in a way," said the other, sore to think the game had been lost. "She'd never make an actress, though. Just another chorus girl-that's all."

This little experience nearly destroyed her ambition to call upon the manager at the Chicago Opera House, but she decided to do so after a time. He was of a more sedate70 turn of mind. He said at once that there was no opening of any sort, and seemed to consider her search foolish.

"Chicago is no place to get a start," he said. "You ought to be in New York."

Still she persisted, and went to McVickar's, where she could not find any one. "The Old Homestead" was running there, but the person to whom she was referred was not to be found.

These little expeditions took up her time until quite four o'clock, when she was weary enough to go home. She felt as if she ought to continue and inquire elsewhere, but the results so far were too dispiriting. She took the car and arrived at Ogden Place in three-quarters of an hour, but decided to ride on to the West Side branch of the Post-office, where she was accustomed to receive Hurstwood's letters. There was one there now, written Saturday, which she tore open and read with mingled71 feelings. There was so much warmth in it and such tense complaint at her having failed to meet him, and her subsequent silence, that she rather pitied the man. That he loved her was evident enough. That he had wished and dared to do so, married as he was, was the evil. She felt as if the thing deserved an answer, and consequently decided that she would write and let him know that she knew of his married state and was justly incensed72 at his deception73. She would tell him that it was all over between them.

At her room, the wording of this missive occupied her for some time, for she fell to the task at once. It was most difficult.

"You do not need to have me explain why I did not meet you," she wrote in part. "How could you deceive me so? You cannot expect me to have anything more to do with you. I wouldn't under any circumstances. Oh, how could you act so?" she added in a burst of feeling. "You have caused me more misery74 than you can think. I hope you will get over your infatuation for me. We must not meet any more. Good-bye."

She took the letter the next morning, and at the corner dropped it reluctantly into the letter-box, still uncertain as to whether she should do so or not. Then she took the car and went down town.

This was the dull season with the department stores, but she was listened to with more consideration than was usually accorded to young women applicants75, owing to her neat and attractive appearance. She was asked the same old questions with which she was already familiar.

"What can you do? Have you ever worked in a retail76 store before? Are you experienced?"

At The Fair, See and Company's, and all the great stores it was much the same. It was the dull season, she might come in a little later, possibly they would like to have her.

When she arrived at the house at the end of the day, weary and disheartened, she discovered that Drouet had been there. His umbrella and light overcoat were gone. She thought she missed other things, but could not be sure. Everything had not been taken.

So his going was crystallising into staying. What was she to do now? Evidently she would be facing the world in the same old way within a day or two. Her clothes would get poor. She put her two hands together in her customary expressive77 way and pressed her fingers. Large tears gathered in her eyes and broke hot across her cheeks. She was alone, very much alone.

Drouet really had called, but it was with a very different mind from that which Carrie had imagined. He expected to find her, to justify78 his return by claiming that he came to get the remaining portion of his wardrobe, and before he got away again to patch up a peace.

Accordingly, when he arrived, he was disappointed to find Carrie out. He trifled about, hoping that she was somewhere in the neighbourhood and would soon return. He constantly listened, expecting to hear her foot on the stair.

When he did so, it was his intention to make believe that he had just come in and was disturbed at being caught. Then he would explain his need of his clothes and find out how things stood.

Wait as he did, however, Carrie did not come. From pottering around among the drawers, in momentary79 expectation of her arrival, he changed to looking out of the window, and from that to resting himself in the rocking-chair. Still no Carrie. He began to grow restless and lit a cigar. After that he walked the floor. Then he looked out of the window and saw clouds gathering80. He remembered an appointment at three. He began to think that it would be useless to wait, and got hold of his umbrella and light coat, intending to take these things, any way. It would scare her, he hoped. To-morrow he would come back for the others. He would find out how things stood.

As he started to go he felt truly sorry that he had missed her. There was a little picture of her on the wall, showing her arrayed in the little jacket he had first bought her -- her face a little more wistful than he had seen it lately. He was really touched by it, and looked into the eyes of it with a rather rare feeling for him.

"You didn't do me right, Cad," he said, as if he were addressing her in the flesh.

Then he went to the door, took a good look around, and went out.

第二十六章

使者离去:自找门路

 


杜洛埃走后,只剩下嘉莉一个人。她听着他远去的脚步声,几乎不明白怎么回事。她只知道他怒冲冲地走了。过了好一会儿,她才开始想,他是否还会回来。当然不是现在,而是以后还会不会回来。外面暮色已浓。她打量着房间,很奇怪这些房间今天为什么给人异样的感觉。她走到梳妆台前,划了根火柴,点亮了煤气灯。然后她走到摇椅边,坐下来思索。

好一会儿她才能集中思想。可是她一集中思想,就意识到了问题的严重性。她现在孤身一人,假如杜洛埃不回来怎么办呢?假如她再也听不到他的消息呢?这些漂亮的房间不能久住,她将不得不搬出去。

应该指出的是,她一次也没想到要求助于赫斯渥,这是应该赞扬的。每次想到他都给她带来伤心、悔恨和痛苦。说实话,这事足以证明人类的邪恶。这证据让她大为震惊和害怕。他会不动声色地把她骗了,连眼皮也不眨一下。她差一点落入更糟糕的境地。然而她不能把他的音容笑貌从脑海里驱除出去。

只有这一点似乎太奇怪太糟糕了,因为这不符合她现在对他的看法和情感。

但她现在凄然一身。这一点在目前是首当其冲的问题。怎么办呢?她是不是该出外重新工作呢?是不是要在商业区首先找事呢?上舞台演戏!嗯,对。杜洛埃讲到过这一点。有没有希望当个演员呢?她在摇椅里摇来摇去,陷入深思,各种思绪纷至沓来。时间一分钟一分钟地过去了,夜幕已经完全降临。她还没有吃一点东西,然而她们坐在那里,心里反复掂量。

她想起自己肚子饿了,就到后房的小柜跟前,那里还留着早饭吃剩下的一点食物。她忧心忡忡地打量着这些食物。食物现在比以往来得重要。

吃着饭的时候,她开始考虑她还有多少钱。她想到这问题非常重要,就立刻去找她的钱包。钱包在梳妆台上,里面有7块钱的钞票,还有一些零钱。想到只有这么一点钱,她心里很沮丧。不过想起这个月的房租已经付过了,她心里又高兴起来。她还想到如果她刚才真的离家出走了,现在的境遇又会怎么样。这么一比,她感到眼下的处境还不算太糟,至少她还有点时间,也许以后一切又会好起来的。

杜洛埃走了,但是这又怎么样呢?他并不像是真生气,他只是装出一副恼怒的样子。他会回来的--他会的,这是理所当然的。他的手杖还留在角落里,这儿还有他的一个衬衫领子。他的薄大衣也还留在衣橱里。她四处看着,用看到的这样那样的东西宽慰自己。但是随后她又想到另一个问题:如果他真的回来了,那又会怎么样呢?

这个问题尽管没有前一个难题那样令她不安,也好不到哪里去。她将不得不和他谈,向他解释。他会要她承认他没错。

那样的话,和他继续生活在一起是不可能的。

星期五,嘉莉想起她和赫斯渥有个约会。她看着他们约会的那个小时一分分地过去,心里重新清晰地感受到自己身受的灾难。她紧张不安,心里沉甸甸的,感到非采取行动不可。于是她穿上一件棕色的外衣,11点钟的时候出门,再度到商业区去碰运气,她必须找份工作。

12点钟的时候,天阴沉沉的像要下雨。1点钟时真的开始下雨了,这场雨使嘉莉只好回家,整天呆在家里。这场雨也使赫斯渥情绪低落,一整天闷闷不乐。

第二天是星期六,许多商行只营业半天。天气和暖怡人,阳光灿烂。下了一晚的雨以后,树木和草坪显得分外青翠。她出门时,大群的麻雀在叽叽喳喳地欢唱。看着可爱的公园,她不由感到,对于那些衣食无忧的人来说,生活真是趣味盎然。

她一再盼望会出现什么奇迹,让她保住迄今享有的那份舒适生活。当然,她这么想时,并不是想要杜洛埃或者他的钱,也不是想和赫斯渥再有什么瓜葛,只是渴望继续过原来那种心满意足无忧无虑的日子。因为毕竟这些日子生活是快乐的,至少比眼下不得不单枪骑马地出外闯荡谋生要快乐得多。

她来到商业区时,已经11点了,这一天的营业时间所剩不多了。她一开始并没有意识到这一点。上次在这个紧张苛刻的地区闯荡带来的痛苦仍记忆犹新,影响着她的情绪。她四处游荡,竭力使自己相信她正打定主意要找工作,同时却又感到似乎她不必那么急于找工作。找工作太为难了,她还有几天可拖。此外,她并不认为她真的已经面临自食其力的难题。不管怎么说,她现在的条件比那时强:她的外貌比以前漂亮。她现在衣服合体,举止大为改进。男人们--那些衣冠楚楚的男人们,以前坐在他们气派的写字间里,从光亮的铜栏杆后面冷淡地看着她,现在却用柔和的目光注视着她的脸。她有几分感到了自己外貌的力量,心里沾沾自喜。但是这些并不足以使她感到完全自信。她要的并不是男人们的额外恩赐,而是合法正当地得到的工作。她有需求,但是任何男人也别指望用花言巧语或者小恩小惠来收买她。她要清清白白地自食其力。

“本店星期六下午1点打烊。”她正感到该进去问问有没有工作的时候,店门口的这个告示让她如释重负欣喜满意。这下她有了一个不去求职的借口。这样的招牌看多了,钟的指钟又已指到12点1刻,她就决定这一天再继续找工作是徒劳无益的。于是她就坐上一辆街车,到了林肯公园。这里总有不少值得观看的东西--花啦,动物啦,湖啦。她又宽慰自己,星期一她会早点起来找工作。再说,从现在到星期一这段时间里,什么事都可能发生的。

星期天过去了,这一天充满着同样的疑虑,担忧,自我宽慰,和天知道还有些什么别的异想天开。每隔半小时,她就痛楚地想到该采取行动,而且必须立刻采取行动。这个念头像呼啸的鞭子梢抽打在身上。有的时候,她又会朝四周看看,安慰自己,事情还不算太糟--她一定能度过难关,安然无恙。这种时候她就会想起杜洛埃的建议,觉得在当演员方面,她也许会有一点机会。她决定第二天就去试试。

为此,星期一早上她早早起来,细细地穿着打扮了一番。

她不知道这种求职该如何着手,但是她认为这事肯定和剧场有较为直接的关系。你只要去剧场向人打听一下,求见经理,然后向他申请一个职位。如果有空缺的话,你也许会被录用。

至少他会指点你该如何申请。

她和这一类人从来没有打过交道,并不知道演艺圈里这些人的好色和诙谐。她只知道海尔先生担任的职务,但是由于她和他太太关系密切,她最不希望遇到的就是这位先生。

不过当时有一个剧场--芝加哥歌剧院,声誉甚隆,剧院经理大卫·艾·汉德生在当地很有一点名气。嘉莉在那里看过一两场精心排演的戏,还听人说起过这个戏院上演的好几出别的戏。她对汉德生本人一无所知,也不知道申请工作的方法。但是她本能地感到这个地方很可能找到工作,所以她在戏院附近留连转悠。最后她鼓起了勇气,步入堂皇气派的戏院大门。里面是金碧辉煌的大厅,墙上的镜框里陈列着时下走红的名角和剧照。再进去就是安静的售票处。可是她没有勇气再往前走了。一个著名的滑稽歌剧演员本周在这里公演,那种赫赫声名和豪华气派把她震住了。她不敢想象在这种高贵的地方能有她一席之地。想到自己如此狂妄,竟敢到这里来找工作,想到差一点让人粗暴地骂出来,她吓得几乎发抖。她只有勇气看看墙上那些争芳斗艳的剧照,就退了出来。在她看来,她这么溜出来再妙不过了。如果还想在这里找工作,就真是太愣头愣脑不自量力了。

这场小小的冒险,结束了她一天的求职努力。她又到别处去转转,不过现在只是从外面打量一番。她的脑子里记住了好些戏院的地理位置--其中最重要的有大歌剧院和麦克维加戏院,这两个戏院都很叫座--然后走开了。这一番经历让她重新意识到这些财大气粗的企业高不可攀,而她个人的资格照她自己看来实在太微不足道,无法得到社会的重视。这一来她的勇气和信心又一落千丈。

那天晚上海尔太太来看她。她坐在那里聊天,半天不走,所以嘉莉无暇去想自己的处境或者当天的运气。不过上床前,她坐了下来思考,心里充满了悲观的预感。杜洛埃还没有露面,一点儿消息也没有。她已经从她那笔宝贵的钱里花掉了一块钱,用于吃饭和坐车。她的钱维持不了多久,这是明摆着的。

此外她还没找到一点挣钱的门路。

在这种情况下她的思绪回到了凡布伦大街她姐姐那里。

自从那天晚上出逃,她还没有见过她姐姐。她也想到了哥伦比亚城的老家,那些仿佛成了她永远无法重返的那个世界的一部分。她并不指望从那里得到庇护。她也想到赫斯渥,但是想到他,只给她带来悲伤。他竟会毫无顾忌地想要欺骗她,在她看来真是太残忍了。

到了星期二,她仍是左思右想举起不定。前一天的失败经历使她无心无绪,并不急于出去找工作。但是她责备自己前一天太畏首畏尾了。于是她又出发重返芝加哥歌剧院,虽然她几乎没有勇气走近它。

但是她最后还是走到售票处去打听。

“你想见剧团经理还是戏院经理?”那个穿着华丽的售票员问道。嘉莉的美貌给他留下了好印象。

“我也不知道,”嘉莉回答。这个问题出乎她的意料之外。

“不管怎样,你今天见不到戏院经理,”那个青年主动告诉她说,“他今天不在城里。”他注意到她脸上困惑的表情,于是又问道:“你有什么事要见他?”“我想问问是不是有空缺,”她答道。

“那你最好去见剧团经理,”他回答说。“不过他现在不在这里。”“他什么时候会来?”嘉莉问道。这个消息让她稍微松了一口气。

“嗯,你也许在11点到12点之间可以找到他。2点以后他在这里。”嘉莉向他道谢以后,就轻快她走了出来。那个年轻人还从装饰华丽的售票处边窗注视着她的背影。

“真漂亮,”他心里想道,于是开始想入非非,想象她对他屈尊俯就,让他不胜荣幸。

当时一家主要的喜剧团正在大歌剧院按合同进行演出。

嘉莉来到这里求见剧团经理。她不知道这人并没有多大权力。

如果有空缺,演员将从纽约派来,这一点她一无所知。

“他的办公室在楼上,”票房的一个人告诉她。

经理办公室里有几个人。有两个懒散地靠在窗口旁,另一个正在对坐在拉盖办公桌旁的人说话,那个坐着的就是经理。

嘉莉心情忐忑地朝四周打量了一下,开始担心她必须当着这么多人的面求职。其中的两个人,就是靠窗口那两个,开始细细打量她。

“这一点我办不到,”那个经理正在说话。“富罗门先生有规定,不准来访者到后台去。不行,不行!”嘉莉站在那里,怯怯地等着。旁边有椅子,但是没有人示意她坐下来。和经理谈话的那人垂头丧气地走了。那个大人物一本正经地看起面前的报纸来,仿佛那些报纸是他头等关心的事情。

“哈里斯,你看到今天早上《先驱报》上登的一则关于耐特·古德温的消息吗?”“没有,”被问的那个人回答。“是关于什么的?”“昨晚在胡利大戏院他作了一场精彩的幕前演说,你最好看一看。”哈里斯伸手到桌子上找《先驱报》。

“你有什么事?”他问嘉莉,显然刚刚看到她。他以为是个来问他要免费戏票的。

嘉莉鼓起了全部勇气,其实充其量也没有多少勇气可言。

她意识到自己是个新手,非遭到断然回绝不可。对这一点她深信不疑,所以她现在只想装出一副来向他请教的样子。

“你能告诉我怎么才能登台演戏吗?”说到底,这是求职的最佳办法。坐在椅子里的那人开始对她有几分感兴趣,她的直截了当的请求和说话方式很合他的心意。他露出了微笑,屋里其他人也微笑起来,不过那些人对他们的笑意稍加掩饰。

“我也不知道,”他厚颜无耻地打量着她。“你有过登台演出的经验吗?”“有过一点,”嘉莉回答说。“我曾经在业余戏剧演出里演过一个角色。”她想她必须稍微炫耀一下才能继续让他感兴趣。

“没有研究过舞台表演吧?”他说,装出一副煞有介事的神气,既是给嘉莉看的,也是给他的朋友们看的。

“没有,先生。”

“那么,我也不知道该怎么办了,”他回答道,懒洋洋地朝椅背上一靠,她还站在他面前。“你为什么想要登台当演员?”那个男人的放肆让她感到窘迫,但是对于他的得意的迷人笑容只能报以微笑。她回答说:“我需要谋生。”“噢,”他答道。他看上了她的匀称漂亮的外貌,感到兴许他可以和她结交一番。“这个理由不坏,是不是?不过,芝加哥不是达到你的目的的好地方。你应该到纽约去。那里机会更多一点。你在这里很难有机会开始演员生涯。”嘉莉温柔地微微一笑,很感激他屈尊赐教,给她提供那么多忠告。他注意到她的微笑,但是对这个微笑作了略为不同的解释,认为自己有了一个调情的好机会。

“请坐,”他说着从桌子侧面把一把椅子往前拉了拉。他把声音压低,不让屋里另外两个人听见。那两个人心照不宣地相互眨了眨眼睛。

“喂,巴纳,我要走了,”其中一个突然离去,临走时对经理打了声招呼,“今天下午见。”“好吧,”经理说。

留下的那人拿起一份报纸,像是要看报的样子。

“你想过要演一个什么样的角色?”经理轻声问。

“噢,没有,”嘉莉说,“刚开头什么角色都行。”“我明白了,”他说。“你住在这个城里吗?”“是的,先生。”经理讨好地微笑着。

“你有没有试过当合唱队队员?”他拿出一副推心置腹讲悄悄话的神气。

嘉莉开始感到他的态度浮夸不自然。

“没有,”她说。

“大多数女孩子当演员都是那样开始的,”他继续说。“这是取得舞台经验的好办法。”他用友好诱惑的目光看着她。

“这一点我原先没有想到。”

“这事很困难,”他继续说,“不过,你知道,机会总有的。”接着他好像突然想起了什么,掏出怀表看了看。“我2点钟还有一个约会,”他说。“我现在得去吃午饭了。你愿意和我一起去吃饭吗?吃饭时我们可以继续谈谈。”“噢,不用了,”嘉莉说,立刻明白了他的全部动机。“我自己也有一个约会。”“那太遗憾了,”他说,意识到自己的邀请提出的时机略嫌早了一点,现在嘉莉要走了。”以后请再来。我也许会有点工作的消息。”“谢谢,”她说着胆战心惊地走了出来。

“长得不错,是不是?”经理的伙伴说,他并没有听清楚经理玩的全部把戏。

“是啊,有几分姿色,”经理说道,痛心自己的把戏失败了。

“不过她不会成为一个女明星。只能当个合唱队队员。”这次小小的涉险几乎打消了她去芝加哥歌剧院拜访剧团经理的决心。但是过了一会儿,她决定还是去一趟。这个经理是个较为严肃正派的人。他立即说,他们剧团没有空缺,而且似乎认为她的求职是愚蠢的。

“芝加哥不是初登舞台的地方,”他说。“你应该去纽约。”但是她没有放弃登台的念头,又赶到麦克维加大戏院。可是到了那里她扑了一个空。那里正在上演《故居》这出戏。人们指点她求见的人却哪里也找不到。

这些小小的探险活动让她一直忙到4点。她已经精疲力尽想回家了。她觉得她该到别的地方再打听打听,但是迄今为止的结果太让她失望了。她坐上街车,3刻钟后到了奥登广常但是她决定再坐下去,到西区邮局下车,她一向是从那里拿到赫斯渥的信的。那里已有一封信等着她,是星期六写的。

她带着复杂的感情拆开信看了起来。信里充满着热情,对她的失约和随后的沉默万分苦恼,使得嘉莉心软了。他爱她,这一点是明摆着的。但是他作为有妇之夫竟敢爱她,这又太大逆不道了。她觉得这封信似乎该有个答复,因此决定写封回信,让他明白她已经知道他的婚姻状况,因此对他的欺骗行为理所当然地感到气愤。她要告诉他,他们之间的关系已经完结了。

一回到家,她就动手写信。这封信的措辞很费斟酌,这信太难写了。

“你不需要我来解释我为什么不来见你。”她在信里写道,“你怎么能这样欺骗我呢?你不该指望我还会和你来往。无论如何,我不会再和你来往了。你怎么可以这样对待我呢?”她一阵感情迸发又补充说,“你给我造成了你无法想象的痛苦。我希望你能克服对我的迷恋,我们不能再见面了。别了!”第二天早上她拿着信出门,在马路的转弯处不情愿地把信投进邮筒。因为她一直拿不定主意,不知道该不该写这封信。然后她坐上街车,去商业区。

现在是百货公司的淡季,不过人们倾听她的求职申请时态度非常关注,这是一般女孩子求职时得不到的关注。这当然是因为嘉莉模样齐整,楚楚动人。他们问她的仍是那些她早就熟悉的老问题:“你会做些什么?你以前有过在零售商店工作的经历吗?

你有没有经验?”

在商场,在西公司,和所有别的大百货公司,情况都大同小异。现在是淡季,她可以晚些时候来看看,那时他们也许会雇她的。

傍晚,当她精疲力竭垂头丧气地回到家时,她发现杜洛埃来过了。他的伞和薄大衣已经拿走了。她感到还少了些别的什么东西,但是不肯定。他并没有把所有的东西都拿走。

这么看来,他的离开已成定局,他再也不会回来了。她现在该怎么办呢?很显然,一两天之内,她又得像从前那样面对冷酷的世界了。她的衣服渐渐地又会变得破旧寒酸。她习惯地合起双手,富有表情地把手指紧紧按在一起。大滴泪珠在她眼中聚集,热泪滚下脸颊。她很孤单,孤单极了。

杜洛埃确实来过了。不过他来的心情和嘉莉想的完全不一样。他期望见到她在家,他将声称他是回来拿留下的衣服的。然后在离开以前,他将设法和她言归于好。

因此他来时,看到嘉莉不在家,感到很失望。他东摸摸西拿拿,希望她就在附近什么地方,快回来了。他一直竖起耳朵听着,期待着听到楼梯上传来她的脚步声。

当他这么等着时,他打算等她回来时要装出刚到家的样子,还要假装被她撞见很狼狈的样子。然后他就解释,他需要衣服所以回来的。他要瞧瞧眼下情况如何。

可是他等了又等,嘉莉一直没有回来。起初他在抽屉里胡乱地翻着,随时防备她回来。接着他又走到窗口去张望,最后他在摇椅里坐了下来。嘉莉迟迟未归。他开始焦急得坐立不安了,于是点着了一支雪茄。那以后,他在房间里来回踱着。他又朝窗外张望,发现乌云在聚集。他想起来3点钟还有一个约会,于是感到再等无益,就拿起了伞和薄大衣。不管怎样,他打算把这两样东西拿走。他希望这样能吓唬吓唬她。明天他会回来取别的东西,那时再看情况如何。

他起身离开时,对于没有见到她,心里确实很遗憾。墙上有一张她的小照,照片里的她穿着他第一次给她买的那件小外套,脸上带着近来已不常看到的忧愁渴望的表情。他确实被这照片打动了,用一种他身上很少见的深情,注视着照片里她的眼睛。

“你对不起我,嘉德,”他说,好像那照片就是她本人似的。

然后他走向门口,朝房间四周久久地打量了一眼,才走出门去。



点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 lighting CpszPL     
n.照明,光线的明暗,舞台灯光
参考例句:
  • The gas lamp gradually lost ground to electric lighting.煤气灯逐渐为电灯所代替。
  • The lighting in that restaurant is soft and romantic.那个餐馆照明柔和而且浪漫。
2 chambers c053984cd45eab1984d2c4776373c4fe     
n.房间( chamber的名词复数 );(议会的)议院;卧室;会议厅
参考例句:
  • The body will be removed into one of the cold storage chambers. 尸体将被移到一个冷冻间里。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Mr Chambers's readable book concentrates on the middle passage: the time Ransome spent in Russia. Chambers先生的这本值得一看的书重点在中间:Ransome在俄国的那几年。 来自互联网
3 pang OKixL     
n.剧痛,悲痛,苦闷
参考例句:
  • She experienced a sharp pang of disappointment.她经历了失望的巨大痛苦。
  • She was beginning to know the pang of disappointed love.她开始尝到了失恋的痛苦。
4 miserable g18yk     
adj.悲惨的,痛苦的;可怜的,糟糕的
参考例句:
  • It was miserable of you to make fun of him.你取笑他,这是可耻的。
  • Her past life was miserable.她过去的生活很苦。
5 varied giIw9     
adj.多样的,多变化的
参考例句:
  • The forms of art are many and varied.艺术的形式是多种多样的。
  • The hotel has a varied programme of nightly entertainment.宾馆有各种晚间娱乐活动。
6 remains 1kMzTy     
n.剩余物,残留物;遗体,遗迹
参考例句:
  • He ate the remains of food hungrily.他狼吞虎咽地吃剩余的食物。
  • The remains of the meal were fed to the dog.残羹剩饭喂狗了。
7 misgivings 0nIzyS     
n.疑虑,担忧,害怕;疑虑,担心,恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 );疑惧
参考例句:
  • I had grave misgivings about making the trip. 对于这次旅行我有过极大的顾虑。
  • Don't be overtaken by misgivings and fear. Just go full stream ahead! 不要瞻前顾后, 畏首畏尾。甩开膀子干吧! 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
8 quailed 6b883b0b92140de4bde03901043d6acd     
害怕,发抖,畏缩( quail的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • I quailed at the danger. 我一遇到危险,心里就发毛。
  • His heart quailed before the enormous pyramidal shape. 面对这金字塔般的庞然大物,他的心不由得一阵畏缩。 来自英汉文学
9 insignificance B6nx2     
n.不重要;无价值;无意义
参考例句:
  • Her insignificance in the presence of so much magnificence faintly affected her. "她想象着他所描绘的一切,心里不禁有些刺痛。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
  • It was above the common mass, above idleness, above want, above insignificance. 这里没有平凡,没有懒散,没有贫困,也没有低微。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
10 cane RsNzT     
n.手杖,细长的茎,藤条;v.以杖击,以藤编制的
参考例句:
  • This sugar cane is quite a sweet and juicy.这甘蔗既甜又多汁。
  • English schoolmasters used to cane the boys as a punishment.英国小学老师过去常用教鞭打男学生作为惩罚。
11 alas Rx8z1     
int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等)
参考例句:
  • Alas!The window is broken!哎呀!窗子破了!
  • Alas,the truth is less romantic.然而,真理很少带有浪漫色彩。
12 calamity nsizM     
n.灾害,祸患,不幸事件
参考例句:
  • Even a greater natural calamity cannot daunt us. 再大的自然灾害也压不垮我们。
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor was a crushing calamity.偷袭珍珠港(对美军来说)是一场毁灭性的灾难。
13 retrace VjUzyj     
v.折回;追溯,探源
参考例句:
  • He retraced his steps to the spot where he'd left the case.他折回到他丢下箱子的地方。
  • You must retrace your steps.你必须折回原来走过的路。
14 joyous d3sxB     
adj.充满快乐的;令人高兴的
参考例句:
  • The lively dance heightened the joyous atmosphere of the scene.轻快的舞蹈给这场戏渲染了欢乐气氛。
  • They conveyed the joyous news to us soon.他们把这一佳音很快地传递给我们。
15 interfere b5lx0     
v.(in)干涉,干预;(with)妨碍,打扰
参考例句:
  • If we interfere, it may do more harm than good.如果我们干预的话,可能弊多利少。
  • When others interfere in the affair,it always makes troubles. 别人一卷入这一事件,棘手的事情就来了。
16 affected TzUzg0     
adj.不自然的,假装的
参考例句:
  • She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
  • His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。
17 distress 3llzX     
n.苦恼,痛苦,不舒适;不幸;vt.使悲痛
参考例句:
  • Nothing could alleviate his distress.什么都不能减轻他的痛苦。
  • Please don't distress yourself.请你不要忧愁了。
18 strenuous 8GvzN     
adj.奋发的,使劲的;紧张的;热烈的,狂热的
参考例句:
  • He made strenuous efforts to improve his reading. 他奋发努力提高阅读能力。
  • You may run yourself down in this strenuous week.你可能会在这紧张的一周透支掉自己。
19 exacting VtKz7e     
adj.苛求的,要求严格的
参考例句:
  • He must remember the letters and symbols with exacting precision.他必须以严格的精度记住每个字母和符号。
  • The public has been more exacting in its demands as time has passed.随着时间的推移,公众的要求更趋严格。
20 imposing 8q9zcB     
adj.使人难忘的,壮丽的,堂皇的,雄伟的
参考例句:
  • The fortress is an imposing building.这座城堡是一座宏伟的建筑。
  • He has lost his imposing appearance.他已失去堂堂仪表。
21 reassure 9TgxW     
v.使放心,使消除疑虑
参考例句:
  • This seemed to reassure him and he continued more confidently.这似乎使他放心一点,于是他更有信心地继续说了下去。
  • The airline tried to reassure the customers that the planes were safe.航空公司尽力让乘客相信飞机是安全的。
22 legitimately 7pmzHS     
ad.合法地;正当地,合理地
参考例句:
  • The radio is legitimately owned by the company. 该电台为这家公司所合法拥有。
  • She looked for nothing save what might come legitimately and without the appearance of special favour. 她要的并不是男人们的额外恩赐,而是合法正当地得到的工作。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
23 decided lvqzZd     
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的
参考例句:
  • This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
  • There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。
24 vagaries 594130203d5d42a756196aa8975299ad     
n.奇想( vagary的名词复数 );异想天开;异常行为;难以预测的情况
参考例句:
  • The vagaries of fortune are indeed curious.\" 命运的变化莫测真是不可思议。” 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
  • The vagaries of inclement weather conditions are avoided to a certain extent. 可以在一定程度上避免变化莫测的恶劣气候影响。 来自辞典例句
25 immediate aapxh     
adj.立即的;直接的,最接近的;紧靠的
参考例句:
  • His immediate neighbours felt it their duty to call.他的近邻认为他们有责任去拜访。
  • We declared ourselves for the immediate convocation of the meeting.我们主张立即召开这个会议。
26 imperative BcdzC     
n.命令,需要;规则;祈使语气;adj.强制的;紧急的
参考例句:
  • He always speaks in an imperative tone of voice.他老是用命令的口吻讲话。
  • The events of the past few days make it imperative for her to act.过去这几天发生的事迫使她不得不立即行动。
27 whatsoever Beqz8i     
adv.(用于否定句中以加强语气)任何;pron.无论什么
参考例句:
  • There's no reason whatsoever to turn down this suggestion.没有任何理由拒绝这个建议。
  • All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,do ye even so to them.你想别人对你怎样,你就怎样对人。
28 theatrical pIRzF     
adj.剧场的,演戏的;做戏似的,做作的
参考例句:
  • The final scene was dismayingly lacking in theatrical effect.最后一场缺乏戏剧效果,叫人失望。
  • She always makes some theatrical gesture.她老在做些夸张的手势。
29 intimacy z4Vxx     
n.熟悉,亲密,密切关系,亲昵的言行
参考例句:
  • His claims to an intimacy with the President are somewhat exaggerated.他声称自己与总统关系密切,这有点言过其实。
  • I wish there were a rule book for intimacy.我希望能有个关于亲密的规则。
30 considerably 0YWyQ     
adv.极大地;相当大地;在很大程度上
参考例句:
  • The economic situation has changed considerably.经济形势已发生了相当大的变化。
  • The gap has narrowed considerably.分歧大大缩小了。
31 instinctively 2qezD2     
adv.本能地
参考例句:
  • As he leaned towards her she instinctively recoiled. 他向她靠近,她本能地往后缩。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • He knew instinctively where he would find her. 他本能地知道在哪儿能找到她。 来自《简明英汉词典》
32 gilded UgxxG     
a.镀金的,富有的
参考例句:
  • The golden light gilded the sea. 金色的阳光使大海如金子般闪闪发光。
  • "Friends, they are only gilded disks of lead!" "朋友们,这只不过是些镀金的铅饼! 来自英汉文学 - 败坏赫德莱堡
33 noted 5n4zXc     
adj.著名的,知名的
参考例句:
  • The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
  • Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。
34 comedian jWfyW     
n.喜剧演员;滑稽演员
参考例句:
  • The comedian tickled the crowd with his jokes.喜剧演员的笑话把人们逗乐了。
  • The comedian enjoyed great popularity during the 30's.那位喜剧演员在三十年代非常走红。
35 forth Hzdz2     
adv.向前;向外,往外
参考例句:
  • The wind moved the trees gently back and forth.风吹得树轻轻地来回摇晃。
  • He gave forth a series of works in rapid succession.他很快连续发表了一系列的作品。
36 audacity LepyV     
n.大胆,卤莽,无礼
参考例句:
  • He had the audacity to ask for an increase in salary.他竟然厚着脸皮要求增加薪水。
  • He had the audacity to pick pockets in broad daylight.他竟敢在光天化日之下掏包。
37 fixed JsKzzj     
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的
参考例句:
  • Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗?
  • Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定,我们就不应该随意改变。
38 notably 1HEx9     
adv.值得注意地,显著地,尤其地,特别地
参考例句:
  • Many students were absent,notably the monitor.许多学生缺席,特别是连班长也没来。
  • A notably short,silver-haired man,he plays basketball with his staff several times a week.他个子明显较为矮小,一头银发,每周都会和他的员工一起打几次篮球。
39 chatter BUfyN     
vi./n.喋喋不休;短促尖叫;(牙齿)打战
参考例句:
  • Her continuous chatter vexes me.她的喋喋不休使我烦透了。
  • I've had enough of their continual chatter.我已厌烦了他们喋喋不休的闲谈。
40 protracted 7bbc2aee17180561523728a246b7f16b     
adj.拖延的;延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词
参考例句:
  • The war was protracted for four years. 战争拖延了四年。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • We won victory through protracted struggle. 经过长期的斗争,我们取得了胜利。 来自《简明英汉词典》
41 procuring 1d7f440d0ca1006a2578d7800f8213b2     
v.(努力)取得, (设法)获得( procure的现在分词 );拉皮条
参考例句:
  • He was accused of procuring women for his business associates. 他被指控为其生意合伙人招妓。 来自辞典例句
  • She had particular pleasure, in procuring him the proper invitation. 她特别高兴为他争得这份体面的邀请。 来自辞典例句
42 speculation 9vGwe     
n.思索,沉思;猜测;投机
参考例句:
  • Her mind is occupied with speculation.她的头脑忙于思考。
  • There is widespread speculation that he is going to resign.人们普遍推测他要辞职。
43 rebuked bdac29ff5ae4a503d9868e9cd4d93b12     
责难或指责( rebuke的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The company was publicly rebuked for having neglected safety procedures. 公司因忽略了安全规程而受到公开批评。
  • The teacher rebuked the boy for throwing paper on the floor. 老师指责这个男孩将纸丢在地板上。
44 possessed xuyyQ     
adj.疯狂的;拥有的,占有的
参考例句:
  • He flew out of the room like a man possessed.他像着了魔似地猛然冲出房门。
  • He behaved like someone possessed.他行为举止像是魔怔了。
45 favourably 14211723ae4152efc3f4ea3567793030     
adv. 善意地,赞成地 =favorably
参考例句:
  • The play has been favourably commented by the audience. 本剧得到了观众的好评。
  • The open approach contrasts favourably with the exclusivity of some universities. 这种开放式的方法与一些大学的封闭排外形成了有利的对比。
46 vacancy EHpy7     
n.(旅馆的)空位,空房,(职务的)空缺
参考例句:
  • Her going on maternity leave will create a temporary vacancy.她休产假时将会有一个临时空缺。
  • The vacancy of her expression made me doubt if she was listening.她茫然的神情让我怀疑她是否在听。
47 nervously tn6zFp     
adv.神情激动地,不安地
参考例句:
  • He bit his lip nervously,trying not to cry.他紧张地咬着唇,努力忍着不哭出来。
  • He paced nervously up and down on the platform.他在站台上情绪不安地走来走去。
48 standing 2hCzgo     
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的
参考例句:
  • After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
  • They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
49 luminary Hwtyv     
n.名人,天体
参考例句:
  • That luminary gazed earnestly at some papers before him.那个大好佬在用心细看面前的报纸。
  • Now that a new light shone upon the horizon,this older luminary paled in the west.现在东方地平线上升起了一轮朝阳,这弯残月就在西边天际失去了光泽。
50 herald qdCzd     
vt.预示...的来临,预告,宣布,欢迎
参考例句:
  • In England, the cuckoo is the herald of spring.在英国杜鹃鸟是报春的使者。
  • Dawn is the herald of day.曙光是白昼的先驱。
51 apparently tMmyQ     
adv.显然地;表面上,似乎
参考例句:
  • An apparently blind alley leads suddenly into an open space.山穷水尽,豁然开朗。
  • He was apparently much surprised at the news.他对那个消息显然感到十分惊异。
52 novice 1H4x1     
adj.新手的,生手的
参考例句:
  • As a novice writer,this is something I'm interested in.作为初涉写作的人,我对此很感兴趣。
  • She realized that she was a novice.她知道自己初出茅庐。
53 simplicity Vryyv     
n.简单,简易;朴素;直率,单纯
参考例句:
  • She dressed with elegant simplicity.她穿着朴素高雅。
  • The beauty of this plan is its simplicity.简明扼要是这个计划的一大特点。
54 conceal DpYzt     
v.隐藏,隐瞒,隐蔽
参考例句:
  • He had to conceal his identity to escape the police.为了躲避警方,他只好隐瞒身份。
  • He could hardly conceal his joy at his departure.他几乎掩饰不住临行时的喜悦。
55 brazenly 050b0303ab1c4b948fddde2c176e6101     
adv.厚颜无耻地;厚脸皮地肆无忌惮地
参考例句:
  • How dare he distort the facts so brazenly! 他怎么敢如此肆无忌惮地歪曲事实! 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • "I don't know," he answered, looking her brazenly over. “我也不知道,"他厚颜无耻地打量着她。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
56 discretion FZQzm     
n.谨慎;随意处理
参考例句:
  • You must show discretion in choosing your friend.你择友时必须慎重。
  • Please use your best discretion to handle the matter.请慎重处理此事。
57 abashed szJzyQ     
adj.窘迫的,尴尬的v.使羞愧,使局促,使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He glanced at Juliet accusingly and she looked suitably abashed. 他怪罪的一瞥,朱丽叶自然显得很窘。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The girl was abashed by the laughter of her classmates. 那小姑娘因同学的哄笑而局促不安。 来自《简明英汉词典》
58 smirk GE8zY     
n.得意地笑;v.傻笑;假笑着说
参考例句:
  • He made no attempt to conceal his smirk.他毫不掩饰自鸣得意的笑容。
  • She had a selfsatisfied smirk on her face.她脸上带着自鸣得意的微笑。
59 genially 0de02d6e0c84f16556e90c0852555eab     
adv.亲切地,和蔼地;快活地
参考例句:
  • The white church peeps out genially from behind the huts scattered on the river bank. 一座白色教堂从散布在岸上的那些小木房后面殷勤地探出头来。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • "Well, It'seems strange to see you way up here,'said Mr. Kenny genially. “咳,真没想到会在这么远的地方见到你,"肯尼先生亲切地说。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
60 condescend np7zo     
v.俯就,屈尊;堕落,丢丑
参考例句:
  • Would you condescend to accompany me?你肯屈尊陪我吗?
  • He did not condescend to answer.He turned his back on me.他不愿屈尊回答我的问题。他不理睬我。
61 flirtation 2164535d978e5272e6ed1b033acfb7d9     
n.调情,调戏,挑逗
参考例句:
  • a brief and unsuccessful flirtation with the property market 对房地产市场一时兴起、并不成功的介入
  • At recess Tom continued his flirtation with Amy with jubilant self-satisfaction. 课间休息的时候,汤姆继续和艾美逗乐,一副得意洋洋、心满意足的样子。 来自英汉文学 - 汤姆历险
62 wink 4MGz3     
n.眨眼,使眼色,瞬间;v.眨眼,使眼色,闪烁
参考例句:
  • He tipped me the wink not to buy at that price.他眨眼暗示我按那个价格就不要买。
  • The satellite disappeared in a wink.瞬息之间,那颗卫星就消失了。
63 blandly f411bffb7a3b98af8224e543d5078eb9     
adv.温和地,殷勤地
参考例句:
  • There is a class of men in Bristol monstrously prejudiced against Blandly. 布里斯托尔有那么一帮人为此恨透了布兰德利。 来自英汉文学 - 金银岛
  • \"Maybe you could get something in the stage line?\" he blandly suggested. “也许你能在戏剧这一行里找些事做,\"他和蔼地提议道。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
64 confidential MOKzA     
adj.秘(机)密的,表示信任的,担任机密工作的
参考例句:
  • He refused to allow his secretary to handle confidential letters.他不让秘书处理机密文件。
  • We have a confidential exchange of views.我们推心置腹地交换意见。
65 exuberant shkzB     
adj.充满活力的;(植物)繁茂的
参考例句:
  • Hothouse plants do not possess exuberant vitality.在温室里培养出来的东西,不会有强大的生命力。
  • All those mother trees in the garden are exuberant.果园里的那些母树都长得十分茂盛。
66 unnatural 5f2zAc     
adj.不自然的;反常的
参考例句:
  • Did her behaviour seem unnatural in any way?她有任何反常表现吗?
  • She has an unnatural smile on her face.她脸上挂着做作的微笑。
67 persuasive 0MZxR     
adj.有说服力的,能说得使人相信的
参考例句:
  • His arguments in favour of a new school are very persuasive.他赞成办一座新学校的理由很有说服力。
  • The evidence was not really persuasive enough.证据并不是太有说服力。
68 motive GFzxz     
n.动机,目的;adv.发动的,运动的
参考例句:
  • The police could not find a motive for the murder.警察不能找到谋杀的动机。
  • He had some motive in telling this fable.他讲这寓言故事是有用意的。
69 trepidation igDy3     
n.惊恐,惶恐
参考例句:
  • The men set off in fear and trepidation.这群人惊慌失措地出发了。
  • The threat of an epidemic caused great alarm and trepidation.流行病猖獗因而人心惶惶。
70 sedate dDfzH     
adj.沉着的,镇静的,安静的
参考例句:
  • After the accident,the doctor gave her some pills to sedate her.事故发生后,医生让她服了些药片使她镇静下来。
  • We spent a sedate evening at home.我们在家里过了一个恬静的夜晚。
71 mingled fdf34efd22095ed7e00f43ccc823abdf     
混合,混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 ); 混进,与…交往[联系]
参考例句:
  • The sounds of laughter and singing mingled in the evening air. 笑声和歌声交织在夜空中。
  • The man and the woman mingled as everyone started to relax. 当大家开始放松的时候,这一男一女就开始交往了。
72 incensed 0qizaV     
盛怒的
参考例句:
  • The decision incensed the workforce. 这个决定激怒了劳工大众。
  • They were incensed at the decision. 他们被这个决定激怒了。
73 deception vnWzO     
n.欺骗,欺诈;骗局,诡计
参考例句:
  • He admitted conspiring to obtain property by deception.他承认曾与人合谋骗取财产。
  • He was jailed for two years for fraud and deception.他因为诈骗和欺诈入狱服刑两年。
74 misery G10yi     
n.痛苦,苦恼,苦难;悲惨的境遇,贫苦
参考例句:
  • Business depression usually causes misery among the working class.商业不景气常使工薪阶层受苦。
  • He has rescued me from the mire of misery.他把我从苦海里救了出来。
75 applicants aaea8e805a118b90e86f7044ecfb6d59     
申请人,求职人( applicant的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • There were over 500 applicants for the job. 有500多人申请这份工作。
  • He was impressed by the high calibre of applicants for the job. 求职人员出色的能力给他留下了深刻印象。
76 retail VWoxC     
v./n.零售;adv.以零售价格
参考例句:
  • In this shop they retail tobacco and sweets.这家铺子零售香烟和糖果。
  • These shoes retail at 10 yuan a pair.这些鞋子零卖10元一双。
77 expressive shwz4     
adj.表现的,表达…的,富于表情的
参考例句:
  • Black English can be more expressive than standard English.黑人所使用的英语可能比正式英语更有表现力。
  • He had a mobile,expressive,animated face.他有一张多变的,富于表情的,生动活泼的脸。
78 justify j3DxR     
vt.证明…正当(或有理),为…辩护
参考例句:
  • He tried to justify his absence with lame excuses.他想用站不住脚的借口为自己的缺席辩解。
  • Can you justify your rude behavior to me?你能向我证明你的粗野行为是有道理的吗?
79 momentary hj3ya     
adj.片刻的,瞬息的;短暂的
参考例句:
  • We are in momentary expectation of the arrival of you.我们无时无刻不在盼望你的到来。
  • I caught a momentary glimpse of them.我瞥了他们一眼。
80 gathering ChmxZ     
n.集会,聚会,聚集
参考例句:
  • He called on Mr. White to speak at the gathering.他请怀特先生在集会上讲话。
  • He is on the wing gathering material for his novels.他正忙于为他的小说收集资料。
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