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原版读物:太阳溪农场的丽贝卡(14)
添加时间:2025-03-03 10:12:53 浏览次数: 作者:未知
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  • XIV

    MR. ALADDIN

    A single hour's experience of the vicissitudes1 incident to a business career clouded the children's spirits just the least bit. They did not accompany each other to the doors of their chosen victims, feeling sure that together they could not approach the subject seriously; but they parted at the gate of each house, the one holding the horse while the other took the soap samples and interviewed any one who seemed of a coming-on disposition2. Emma Jane had disposed of three single cakes, Rebecca of three small boxes; for a difference in their ability to persuade the public was clearly defined at the start, though neither of them ascribed either success or defeat to anything but the imperious force of circumstances. Housewives looked at Emma Jane and desired no soap; listened to her description of its merits, and still desired none. Other stars in their courses governed Rebecca's doings. The people whom she interviewed either remembered their present need of soap, or reminded themselves that they would need it in the future; the notable point in the case being that lucky Rebecca accomplished3, with almost no effort, results that poor little Emma Jane failed to attain4 by hard and conscientious5 labor.

    "It's your turn, Rebecca, and I'm glad, too," said Emma Jane, drawing up to a gateway6 and indicating a house that was set a considerable distance from the road. "I haven't got over trembling from the last place yet." (A lady had put her head out of an upstairs window and called, "Go away, little girl; whatever you have in your box we don't want any.") "I don't know who lives here, and the blinds are all shut in front. If there's nobody at home you mustn't count it, but take the next house as yours."

    Rebecca walked up the lane and went to the side door. There was a porch there, and seated in a rocking-chair, husking corn, was a good-looking young man, or was he middle aged? Rebecca could not make up her mind. At all events he had an air of the city about him,—well-shaven face, well-trimmed mustache, well-fitting clothes. Rebecca was a trifle shy at this unexpected encounter, but there was nothing to be done but explain her presence, so she asked, "Is the lady of the house at home?"

    "I am the lady of the house at present," said the stranger, with a whimsical smile. "What can I do for you?"

    "Have you ever heard of the—would you like, or I mean—do you need any soap?" queried7 Rebecca.

    "Do I look as if I did?" he responded unexpectedly.

    Rebecca dimpled. "I didn't mean THAT; I have some soap to sell; I mean I would like to introduce to you a very remarkable8 soap, the best now on the market. It is called the"—

    "Oh! I must know that soap," said the gentleman genially9. "Made out of pure vegetable fats, isn't it?"

    "The very purest," corroborated11 Rebecca.

    "No acid in it?"

    "Not a trace."

    "And yet a child could do the Monday washing with it and use no force."

    "A babe," corrected Rebecca

    "Oh! a babe, eh? That child grows younger every year, instead of older—wise child!"

    This was great good fortune, to find a customer who knew all the virtues12 of the article in advance. Rebecca dimpled more and more, and at her new friend's invitation sat down on a stool at his side near the edge of the porch. The beauties of the ornamental13 box which held the Rose-Red were disclosed, and the prices of both that and the Snow-White were unfolded. Presently she forgot all about her silent partner at the gate and was talking as if she had known this grand personage all her life.

    "I'm keeping house to-day, but I don't live here," explained the delightful14 gentleman. "I'm just on a visit to my aunt, who has gone to Portland. I used to be here as a boy and I am very fond of the spot."

    "I don't think anything takes the place of the farm where one lived when one was a child," observed Rebecca, nearly bursting with pride at having at last successfully used the indefinite pronoun in general conversation.

    The man darted15 a look at her and put down his ear of corn. "So you consider your childhood a thing of the past, do you, young lady?"

    "I can still remember it," answered Rebecca gravely, "though it seems a long time ago."

    "I can remember mine well enough, and a particularly unpleasant one it was," said the stranger.

    "So was mine," sighed Rebecca. "What was your worst trouble?"

    "Lack of food and clothes principally."

    "Oh!" exclaimed Rebecca sympathetically,—"mine was no shoes and too many babies and not enough books. But you're all right and happy now, aren't you?" she asked doubtfully, for though he looked handsome, well-fed, and prosperous, any child could see that his eyes were tired and his mouth was sad when he was not speaking.

    "I'm doing pretty well, thank you," said the man, with a delightful smile. "Now tell me, how much soap ought I to buy to-day?"

    "How much has your aunt on hand now?" suggested the very modest and inexperienced agent; "and how much would she need?"

    "Oh, I don't know about that; soap keeps, doesn't it?"

    "I'm not certain," said Rebecca conscientiously16, "but I'll look in the circular—it's sure to tell;" and she drew the document from her pocket.

    "What are you going to do with the magnificent profits you get from this business?"

    "We are not selling for our own benefit," said Rebecca confidentially17. "My friend who is holding the horse at the gate is the daughter of a very rich blacksmith, and doesn't need any money. I am poor, but I live with my aunts in a brick house, and of course they wouldn't like me to be a peddler. We are trying to get a premium18 for some friends of ours."

    Rebecca had never thought of alluding19 to the circumstances with her previous customers, but unexpectedly she found herself describing Mr. Simpson, Mrs. Simpson, and the Simpson family; their poverty, their joyless life, and their abject20 need of a banquet lamp to brighten their existence.

    "You needn't argue that point," laughed the man, as he stood up to get a glimpse of the "rich blacksmith's daughter" at the gate. "I can see that they ought to have it if they want it, and especially if you want them to have it. I've known what it was myself to do without a banquet lamp. Now give me the circular, and let's do some figuring. How much do the Simpsons lack at this moment?"

    "If they sell two hundred more cakes this month and next, they can have the lamp by Christmas," Rebecca answered, "and they can get a shade by summer time; but I'm afraid I can't help very much after to-day, because my aunt Miranda may not like to have me."

    "I see. Well, that's all right. I'll take three hundred cakes, and that will give them shade and all."

    Rebecca had been seated on a stool very near to the edge of the porch, and at this remark she made a sudden movement, tipped over, and disappeared into a clump21 of lilac bushes. It was a very short distance, fortunately, and the amused capitalist picked her up, set her on her feet, and brushed her off. "You should never seem surprised when you have taken a large order," said he; "you ought to have replied 'Can't you make it three hundred and fifty?' instead of capsizing in that unbusinesslike way."

    "Oh, I could never say anything like that!" exclaimed Rebecca, who was blushing crimson22 at her awkward fall. "But it doesn't seem right for you to buy so much. Are you sure you can afford it?"

    "If I can't, I'll save on something else," returned the jocose23 philanthropist.

    "What if your aunt shouldn't like the kind of soap?" queried Rebecca nervously24.

    "My aunt always likes what I like," he returned

    "Mine doesn't!" exclaimed Rebecca

    "Then there's something wrong with your aunt!"

    "Or with me," laughed Rebecca.

    "What is your name, young lady?"

    "Rebecca Rowena Randall, sir."

    "What?" with an amused smile. "BOTH? Your mother was generous."

    "She couldn't bear to give up either of the names she says."

    "Do you want to hear my name?"

    "I think I know already," answered Rebecca, with a bright glance. "I'm sure you must be Mr. Aladdin in the Arabian Nights. Oh, please, can I run down and tell Emma Jane? She must be so tired waiting, and she will be so glad!"

    At the man's nod of assent25 Rebecca sped down the lane, crying irrepressibly as she neared the wagon26, "Oh, Emma Jane! Emma Jane! we are sold out!"

    Mr. Aladdin followed smilingly to corroborate10 this astonishing, unbelievable statement; lifted all their boxes from the back of the wagon, and taking the circular, promised to write to the Excelsior Company that night concerning the premium.

    "If you could contrive27 to keep a secret,—you two little girls,—it would be rather a nice surprise to have the lamp arrive at the Simpsons' on Thanksgiving Day, wouldn't it?" he asked, as he tucked the old lap robe cosily28 over their feet.

    They gladly assented29, and broke into a chorus of excited thanks during which tears of joy stood in Rebecca's eyes.

    "Oh, don't mention it!" laughed Mr. Aladdin, lifting his hat. "I was a sort of commercial traveler myself once,—years ago,—and I like to see the thing well done. Good-by Miss Rebecca Rowena! Just let me know whenever you have anything to sell, for I'm certain beforehand I shall want it."

    "Good-by, Mr. Aladdin! I surely will!" cried Rebecca, tossing back her dark braids delightedly and waving her hand.

    "Oh, Rebecca!" said Emma Jane in an awe-struck whisper. "He raised his hat to us, and we not thirteen! It'll be five years before we're ladies."

    "Never mind," answered Rebecca; "we are the BEGINNINGS of ladies, even now."

    "He tucked the lap robe round us, too," continued Emma Jane, in an ecstasy30 of reminiscence. "Oh! isn't he perfectly31 elergant? And wasn't it lovely of him to buy us out? And just think of having both the lamp and the shade for one day's work! Aren't you glad you wore your pink gingham now, even if mother did make you put on flannel32 underneath33? You do look so pretty in pink and red, Rebecca, and so homely34 in drab and brown!"

    "I know it," sighed Rebecca "I wish I was like you—pretty in all colors!" And Rebecca looked longingly35 at Emma Jane's fat, rosy36 cheeks; at her blue eyes, which said nothing; at her neat nose, which had no character; at her red lips, from between which no word worth listening to had ever issued.

    "Never mind!" said Emma Jane comfortingly. "Everybody says you're awful bright and smart, and mother thinks you'll be better looking all the time as you grow older. You wouldn't believe it, but I was a dreadful homely baby, and homely right along till just a year or two ago, when my red hair began to grow dark. What was the nice man's name?"

    "I never thought to ask!" ejaculated Rebecca. "Aunt Miranda would say that was just like me, and it is. But I called him Mr. Aladdin because he gave us a lamp. You know the story of Aladdin and the wonderful lamp?"

    "Oh, Rebecca! how could you call him a nickname the very first time you ever saw him?"

    "Aladdin isn't a nickname exactly; anyway, he laughed and seemed to like it."

    By dint37 of superhuman effort, and putting such a seal upon their lips as never mortals put before, the two girls succeeded in keeping their wonderful news to themselves; although it was obvious to all beholders that they were in an extraordinary and abnormal state of mind.

    On Thanksgiving the lamp arrived in a large packing box, and was taken out and set up by Seesaw38 Simpson, who suddenly began to admire and respect the business ability of his sisters. Rebecca had heard the news of its arrival, but waited until nearly dark before asking permission to go to the Simpsons', so that she might see the gorgeous trophy39 lighted and sending a blaze of crimson glory through its red crepe paper shade.



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    1 vicissitudes [vɪ'sɪsɪtju:dz] KeFzyd   第10级
    n.变迁,世事变化;变迁兴衰( vicissitude的名词复数 );盛衰兴废
    参考例句:
    • He experienced several great social vicissitudes in his life. 他一生中经历了几次大的社会变迁。 来自《简明英汉词典》
    • A man used to vicissitudes is not easily dejected. 饱经沧桑,不易沮丧。 来自《简明英汉词典》
    2 disposition [ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃn] GljzO   第7级
    n.性情,性格;意向,倾向;排列,部署
    参考例句:
    • He has made a good disposition of his property. 他已对财产作了妥善处理。
    • He has a cheerful disposition. 他性情开朗。
    3 accomplished [əˈkʌmplɪʃt] UzwztZ   第8级
    adj.有才艺的;有造诣的;达到了的
    参考例句:
    • Thanks to your help, we accomplished the task ahead of schedule. 亏得你们帮忙,我们才提前完成了任务。
    • Removal of excess heat is accomplished by means of a radiator. 通过散热器完成多余热量的排出。
    4 attain [əˈteɪn] HvYzX   第7级
    vt.达到,获得,完成
    参考例句:
    • I used the scientific method to attain this end. 我用科学的方法来达到这一目的。
    • His painstaking to attain his goal in life is praiseworthy. 他为实现人生目标所下的苦功是值得称赞的。
    5 conscientious [ˌkɒnʃiˈenʃəs] mYmzr   第7级
    adj.审慎正直的,认真的,本着良心的
    参考例句:
    • He is a conscientious man and knows his job. 他很认真负责,也很懂行。
    • He is very conscientious in the performance of his duties. 他非常认真地履行职责。
    6 gateway [ˈgeɪtweɪ] GhFxY   第8级
    n.大门口,出入口,途径,方法
    参考例句:
    • Hard work is the gateway to success. 努力工作是通往成功之路。
    • A man collected tolls at the gateway. 一个人在大门口收通行费。
    7 queried [ˈkwiərid] 5c2c5662d89da782d75e74125d6f6932   第8级
    v.质疑,对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 );询问
    参考例句:
    • She queried what he said. 她对他说的话表示怀疑。 来自《简明英汉词典》
    • \"What does he have to do?\" queried Chin dubiously. “他有什么心事?”琴向觉民问道,她的脸上现出疑惑不解的神情。 来自汉英文学 - 家(1-26) - 家(1-26)
    8 remarkable [rɪˈmɑ:kəbl] 8Vbx6   第7级
    adj.显著的,异常的,非凡的,值得注意的
    参考例句:
    • She has made remarkable headway in her writing skills. 她在写作技巧方面有了长足进步。
    • These cars are remarkable for the quietness of their engines. 这些汽车因发动机没有噪音而不同凡响。
    9 genially ['dʒi:nɪəlɪ] 0de02d6e0c84f16556e90c0852555eab   第8级
    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
    10 corroborate [kəˈrɒbəreɪt] RoVzf   第9级
    vt.支持,证实,确定
    参考例句:
    • He looked at me anxiously, as if he hoped I'd corroborate this. 他神色不安地看着我,仿佛他希望我证实地的话。
    • It appeared that what he said went to corroborate my account. 看来他所说的和我叙述的相符。
    11 corroborated [kəˈrɔbəˌreɪtid] ab27fc1c50e7a59aad0d93cd9f135917   第9级
    v.证实,支持(某种说法、信仰、理论等)( corroborate的过去式 )
    参考例句:
    • The evidence was corroborated by two independent witnesses. 此证据由两名独立证人提供。
    • Experiments have corroborated her predictions. 实验证实了她的预言。 来自《简明英汉词典》
    12 virtues ['vɜ:tʃu:z] cd5228c842b227ac02d36dd986c5cd53   第7级
    美德( virtue的名词复数 ); 德行; 优点; 长处
    参考例句:
    • Doctors often extol the virtues of eating less fat. 医生常常宣扬少吃脂肪的好处。
    • She delivered a homily on the virtues of family life. 她进行了一场家庭生活美德方面的说教。
    13 ornamental [ˌɔ:nəˈmentl] B43zn   第9级
    adj.装饰的;作装饰用的;n.装饰品;观赏植物
    参考例句:
    • The stream was dammed up to form ornamental lakes. 溪流用水坝拦挡起来,形成了装饰性的湖泊。
    • The ornamental ironwork lends a touch of elegance to the house. 铁艺饰件为房子略添雅致。
    14 delightful [dɪˈlaɪtfl] 6xzxT   第8级
    adj.令人高兴的,使人快乐的
    参考例句:
    • We had a delightful time by the seashore last Sunday. 上星期天我们在海滨玩得真痛快。
    • Peter played a delightful melody on his flute. 彼得用笛子吹奏了一支欢快的曲子。
    15 darted [dɑ:tid] d83f9716cd75da6af48046d29f4dd248   第8级
    v.投掷,投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 );向前冲,飞奔
    参考例句:
    • The lizard darted out its tongue at the insect. 蜥蜴伸出舌头去吃小昆虫。 来自《简明英汉词典》
    • The old man was displeased and darted an angry look at me. 老人不高兴了,瞪了我一眼。 来自《简明英汉词典》
    16 conscientiously [kɒnʃɪ'enʃəslɪ] 3vBzrQ   第7级
    adv.凭良心地;认真地,负责尽职地;老老实实
    参考例句:
    • He kept silent,eating just as conscientiously but as though everything tasted alike. 他一声不吭,闷头吃着,仿佛桌上的饭菜都一个味儿。 来自《简明英汉词典》
    • She discharged all the responsibilities of a minister conscientiously. 她自觉地履行部长的一切职责。 来自《简明英汉词典》
    17 confidentially [ˌkɔnfi'denʃəli] 0vDzuc   第8级
    ad.秘密地,悄悄地
    参考例句:
    • She was leaning confidentially across the table. 她神神秘秘地从桌子上靠过来。
    • Kao Sung-nien and Wang Ch'u-hou talked confidentially in low tones. 高松年汪处厚两人低声密谈。
    18 premium [ˈpri:miəm] EPSxX   第7级
    n.加付款;赠品;adj.高级的;售价高的
    参考例句:
    • You have to pay a premium for express delivery. 寄快递你得付额外费用。
    • Fresh water was at a premium after the reservoir was contaminated. 在水库被污染之后,清水便因稀而贵了。
    19 alluding [əˈlu:dɪŋ] ac37fbbc50fb32efa49891d205aa5a0a   第8级
    提及,暗指( allude的现在分词 )
    参考例句:
    • He didn't mention your name but I was sure he was alluding to you. 他没提你的名字,但是我确信他是暗指你的。
    • But in fact I was alluding to my physical deficiencies. 可我实在是为自己的容貌寒心。
    20 abject [ˈæbdʒekt] joVyh   第10级
    adj.极可怜的,卑屈的
    参考例句:
    • This policy has turned out to be an abject failure. 这一政策最后以惨败而告终。
    • He had been obliged to offer an abject apology to Mr. Alleyne for his impertinence. 他不得不低声下气,为他的无礼举动向艾莱恩先生请罪。
    21 clump [klʌmp] xXfzH   第10级
    n.树丛,草丛;vi.用沉重的脚步行走
    参考例句:
    • A stream meandered gently through a clump of trees. 一条小溪从树丛中蜿蜒穿过。
    • It was as if he had hacked with his thick boots at a clump of bluebells. 仿佛他用自己的厚靴子无情地践踏了一丛野风信子。
    22 crimson [ˈkrɪmzn] AYwzH   第10级
    n./adj.深(绯)红色(的);vi.脸变绯红色
    参考例句:
    • She went crimson with embarrassment. 她羞得满脸通红。
    • Maple leaves have turned crimson. 枫叶已经红了。
    23 jocose [dʒəˈkəʊs] H3Fx7   第11级
    adj.开玩笑的,滑稽的
    参考例句:
    • Dr. Daniel was a gleg man of a jocose nature. 丹尼尔大夫是一位天生诙谐而反应机敏的人。
    • His comic dialogues are jocose and jocular, thought-provoking. 他的小品诙谐,逗乐,发人深省。
    24 nervously ['nɜ:vəslɪ] tn6zFp   第8级
    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。
    25 assent [əˈsent] Hv6zL   第9级
    vi.批准,认可;n.批准,认可
    参考例句:
    • I cannot assent to what you ask. 我不能应允你的要求。
    • The new bill passed by Parliament has received Royal Assent. 议会所通过的新方案已获国王批准。
    26 wagon [ˈwægən] XhUwP   第7级
    n.四轮马车,手推车,面包车;无盖运货列车
    参考例句:
    • We have to fork the hay into the wagon. 我们得把干草用叉子挑进马车里去。
    • The muddy road bemired the wagon. 马车陷入了泥泞的道路。
    27 contrive [kənˈtraɪv] GpqzY   第7级
    vt.谋划,策划;设法做到;设计,想出
    参考例句:
    • Can you contrive to be here a little earlier? 你能不能早一点来?
    • How could you contrive to make such a mess of things? 你怎么把事情弄得一团糟呢?
    28 cosily [ˈkəuzili] f194ece4e01a21a19dc156f26d64da07   第7级
    adv.舒适地,惬意地
    参考例句:
    • Its snow-white houses nestle cosily in a sea of fresh green vegetation. 雪白的房屋舒适地筑在一片翠绿的草木中。 来自辞典例句
    29 assented [əˈsentid] 4cee1313bb256a1f69bcc83867e78727   第9级
    同意,赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 )
    参考例句:
    • The judge assented to allow the prisoner to speak. 法官同意允许犯人申辩。
    • "No," assented Tom, "they don't kill the women -- they're too noble. “对,”汤姆表示赞同地说,“他们不杀女人——真伟大!
    30 ecstasy [ˈekstəsi] 9kJzY   第8级
    n.狂喜,心醉神怡,入迷
    参考例句:
    • He listened to the music with ecstasy. 他听音乐听得入了神。
    • Speechless with ecstasy, the little boys gazed at the toys. 小孩注视着那些玩具,高兴得说不出话来。
    31 perfectly [ˈpɜ:fɪktli] 8Mzxb   第8级
    adv.完美地,无可非议地,彻底地
    参考例句:
    • The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said. 证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
    • Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board. 我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。
    32 flannel [ˈflænl] S7dyQ   第9级
    n.法兰绒;法兰绒衣服
    参考例句:
    • She always wears a grey flannel trousers. 她总是穿一条灰色法兰绒长裤。
    • She was looking luscious in a flannel shirt. 她穿着法兰绒裙子,看上去楚楚动人。
    33 underneath [ˌʌndəˈni:θ] VKRz2   第7级
    adj.在...下面,在...底下;adv.在下面
    参考例句:
    • Working underneath the car is always a messy job. 在汽车底下工作是件脏活。
    • She wore a coat with a dress underneath. 她穿着一件大衣,里面套着一条连衣裙。
    34 homely [ˈhəʊmli] Ecdxo   第9级
    adj.家常的,简朴的;不漂亮的
    参考例句:
    • We had a homely meal of bread and cheese. 我们吃了一顿面包加乳酪的家常便餐。
    • Come and have a homely meal with us, will you? 来和我们一起吃顿家常便饭,好吗?
    35 longingly ['lɒŋɪŋlɪ] 2015a05d76baba3c9d884d5f144fac69   第8级
    adv. 渴望地 热望地
    参考例句:
    • He looked longingly at the food on the table. 他眼巴巴地盯着桌上的食物。
    • Over drinks,he speaks longingly of his trip to Latin America. 他带着留恋的心情,一边喝酒一边叙述他的拉丁美洲之行。
    36 rosy [ˈrəʊzi] kDAy9   第8级
    adj.美好的,乐观的,玫瑰色的
    参考例句:
    • She got a new job and her life looks rosy. 她找到一份新工作,生活看上去很美好。
    • She always takes a rosy view of life. 她总是对生活持乐观态度。
    37 dint [dɪnt] plVza   第12级
    n.由于,靠;凹坑
    参考例句:
    • He succeeded by dint of hard work. 他靠苦干获得成功。
    • He reached the top by dint of great effort. 他费了很大的劲终于爬到了顶。
    38 seesaw ['si:sɔ:] Xh3yf   第11级
    n.跷跷板
    参考例句:
    • The children are playing at seesaw. 孩子们在玩跷跷板。
    • Prices have gone up and down like a seesaw this year. 今年的价格像跷跷板一样时涨时跌。
    39 trophy [ˈtrəʊfi] 8UFzI   第8级
    n.优胜旗,奖品,奖杯,战胜品,纪念品
    参考例句:
    • The cup is a cherished trophy of the company. 那只奖杯是该公司很珍惜的奖品。
    • He hung the lion's head as a trophy. 他把那狮子头挂起来作为狩猎纪念品。

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