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儿童英语读物 The Mystery at the Crooked House CHAPTER 4 The Unfriendly Guest

时间:2017-09-30 03:01来源:互联网 提供网友:qing   字体: [ ]
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On their way to the Crooked1 House the next day, Benny suddenly cried out, “Oh, no! I forgot to bring it.” And he gave his forehead a smack2 with the palm of his hand.

“Bring what, Benny?” asked Jessie. She was sure he had packed all of his warm winter clothes and his cracked pink cup.

“The mystery book I got for Christmas!” said Benny. “The one by Amelia Quigley Adams. And we were just getting to the best part, Jessie!”

“Oh, The Alphabet Mystery!” Jessie had been reading a chapter every night to her brother. “I meant to pack it, but I guess I forgot, too.”

“Don’t worry, Benny,” said Henry. “When Mrs. McGregor tells us the riddle3, we’ll have our own mystery to solve.”

Violet put an arm around her younger brother. “And a treasure to find!” she added.

Mrs. McGregor was sitting up front beside Grandfather Alden. She looked over her shoulder and said, “You’re in luck, Benny! Amelia Quigley Adams was my favorite children’s author when I was growing up. There’s a whole collection of her books at the Crooked House. In fact, I have a signed copy of The Alphabet Mystery.”

Benny’s round face brightened. “Hooray for the Crooked House!”

At that moment, they passed a huge billboard4 advertisement for the Sterling5 Resort. Mrs. McGregor shook her head. “With advertising6 like that, the Crooked House doesn’t stand a chance.”

As they turned off the main highway and drove along the lake, they caught a glimpse of the new resort through the trees. Mrs. McGregor went on, “Of course, a few people have remained loyal to the Crooked House. They still come out for their holidays. But my sister has always relied on new guests as well.”

Snowflakes were just starting to drift down when they came to a small sign advertising rooms to rent. The sign was nailed to a crooked post. The Aldens’ station wagon7 turned into a long driveway piled high with snow on either side. At the end of the driveway was a big, old-fashioned cottage nestled among the trees. An evergreen8 wreath decorated its crooked front door.

As Jessie got out of the car, she noticed a man in a hooded9 black coat shoveling snow in the next driveway A young girl wearing a blue ski jacket was helping12 him.

“Those windows really are lopsided!” said Henry as he opened the car door for Mrs. McGregor.

“Oh, yes,” said Mrs. McGregor, gazing fondly at her family home. “There isn’t a single window that’s straight. Some go this way and some go that!”

“And look!” cried Benny pointing. “The chimney’s crooked, too! It looks like that funny tower. The one that leans over.”

Grandfather Alden chuckled13 as he lifted the suitcases out of the car. “I think you mean the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Benny.”

“Right.” Benny nodded. “The Leaning Tower of Pisa in, um ...”

“Italy,” finished Jessie.

“Never fear, Benny,” said Mrs. McGregor. “There’s no danger of the crooked chimney tumbling over. It always passes inspection14.”

“What a wonderful home, Mrs. McGregor,” Violet said in a soft voice. “I can’t wait to draw a picture of it for you.”

Their housekeeper15 was beaming proudly. “The property backs right onto the lake. You won’t have far to go for skating.”

Just then the front door of the Crooked House opened. A white-haired woman waved out to them. She looked a lot like Mrs. McGregor, only taller.

Mrs. McGregor waved back. “That’s my sister, Madeline!”

The man in the next driveway tossed his shovel11 aside, then the young girl tossed hers aside, too, and they came rushing over.

“I’m Nick Spencer.” The man pushed the hood10 of his coat back from his dark curly hair. “And this is my daughter, Clarissa.”

“We live just next door,” said Clarissa with a dimpled smile. She was about Violet’s age and was wearing a knit hat that matched her jacket. The breeze kept stirring the wisps of blond curls that framed her rosy16 face.

“James Alden,” said Grandfather, putting a hand out to Nick. “And this is Mrs. McGregor and my grandchildren: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny.”

“I must tell you, Mrs. McGregor,” said Nick, “we’re really going to miss your sister if the Crooked House is sold. We’ll never be able to repay her for all her kindness. She’s been like a grandmother to Clarissa and a good friend to me.”

Mrs. McGregor smiled. “My sister has always spoken highly of you, too. You teach history at the local high school, don’t you, Nick?”

Nick nodded and smiled. “History has always fascinated me. There’s something so mysterious about the past. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover when you start poking17 about.”

Jessie and Henry exchanged looks. Was it just a coincidence that Nick had used the word treasure?

Nick and Clarissa helped Mrs. McGregor with her bags as they all trooped along a path through the snow, then stepped into a hallway cheerfully decorated with sprigs of evergreen and holly18. While they breathed in the wonderful smell of home cooking, Mrs. McGregor gave her sister a warm hug. Then she introduced the Aldens.

“Welcome to the Crooked House!” said Madeline. “You must be hungry after that long drive. Will you and Clarissa join us for dinner, Nick?” she added. “You know there’s always plenty to go around.”

But Nick and Clarissa were already on their way out the door. “Thanks anyway Madeline,” said Nick. “We’ll have to take a rain check. We’ve got the driveway to finish, then we’re off to the library.” With a wave of his hand, he added, “Sure nice to meet everybody, though!”

Grandfather looked at his watch. “I’m afraid I’d better be going, too. I still have some business to take care of.”

“Grandfather doesn’t like to keep anyone waiting,” said Henry.

The children stood at the door and waved good-bye until the station wagon disappeared behind the trees. Then they took off their coats and boots and hung their knit hats on the hat tree by the door. After that, it wasn’t long before they were sitting down to a delicious dinner of meat loaf, baked potatoes, tossed salad, and creamed corn.

“Mmm,” said Benny. “This meat loaf tastes just like Mrs. McGregor’s!”

“I got the recipe from Madeline,” said Mrs. McGregor as she buttered a crusty roll. “My sister is the real cook in the family.”

“Nonsense!” argued Madeline. “You’re every bit the cook I am, Margaret.”

Benny’s eyes widened. “I think I’m going to like it here!”

“That’s for sure!” said Henry. “Two great cooks under one roof! That’s a dream come true for you, Benny.”

Jessie noticed there was an extra place at the table. She was just wondering about it when Madeline said, “We have a guest staying upstairs.”

Mrs. McGregor raised her eyebrows19 in surprise. “Oh?”

Madeline nodded. “Yes, a young woman arrived the other day. Nola Rawlings. She’s staying in the blue room at the end of the hall.”

Mrs. McGregor looked hopeful. “Do you think business is improving?”

“Oh, I used to get my hopes up,” said Madeline with a sigh. “But I’ve been disappointed too many times. I know better now.”

Mrs. McGregor nodded. “I suppose you’re right. A guest every now and again isn’t enough.”

Just then a slim young woman with shoulder-length brownish-red hair came into the room. She was dressed in jeans and a gray sweater.

Madeline rose to greet her, then quickly introduced Mrs. McGregor and the Aldens. Nola Rawlings responded with a brisk nod as she slipped into the empty chair beside Henry.

Mrs. McGregor smiled warmly. “Are you enjoying your stay at Riddle Lake, Nola?”

The young woman didn’t answer right away. She placed a napkin carefully over her lap, then she looked over at the Aldens with a frown. “I’ve enjoyed it so far,” she finally said. “I came to Riddle Lake hoping to find peace and quiet.”

The children exchanged puzzled glances. Why was Nola so unfriendly?

Mrs. McGregor tried to change the subject. “By the way, Benny, that book you want is on a shelf in the living room. Isn’t it amazing about those mysteries by Amelia Quigley Adams? They’re just as popular now as they were in my day! Did you read them when you were growing up, Nola?” she added.

The young woman gave Mrs. McGregor a funny look. “Why do you ask?” she replied rather sharply.

“No reason, really,” said Mrs. McGregor in surprise. “I just wondered if you were a fan of Amelia Quigley Adams. When I was growing up—”

Nola broke in before Mrs. McGregor could finish. “I’ve heard of her, of course. But I’ve never read any of her books. Nor do I have any interest in the subject!”

Everyone seemed surprised by the young woman’s harsh tone. Jessie caught Henry’s eye. It was such a simple question. Why was Nola getting so upset?

When dessert was served, Madeline commented, “It’s nice to have so many people gathered around the table again. I’m just sorry that Nick and Clarissa couldn’t join us.”

“We’re looking forward to getting to know Clarissa better,” said Jessie, taking a bite of the delicious apple pie.

“Oh, you’re bound to run into her when you go out skating,” replied Madeline. “And just wait till you see the fancy twirls she can do!”

“Jessie is a good skater, too,” Violet said shyly, looking at her older sister with admiration20.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn,” Jessie protested. “But I do enjoy it. I can’t wait to get out there.”

“Well, it’s a beautiful night for it,” said Madeline. “No reason you can’t go right after dinner.”

“There’s a very good reason we can’t go right after supper,” Benny stated firmly. “Mrs. McGregor’s going to tell us all about the riddle and the hidden treasure!”

The Aldens all nodded their agreement. Nobody noticed Madeline’s sudden frown. Or the look of shock on Nola Rawlings’s face.


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 crooked xvazAv     
adj.弯曲的;不诚实的,狡猾的,不正当的
参考例句:
  • He crooked a finger to tell us to go over to him.他弯了弯手指,示意我们到他那儿去。
  • You have to drive slowly on these crooked country roads.在这些弯弯曲曲的乡间小路上你得慢慢开车。
2 smack XEqzV     
vt.拍,打,掴;咂嘴;vi.含有…意味;n.拍
参考例句:
  • She gave him a smack on the face.她打了他一个嘴巴。
  • I gave the fly a smack with the magazine.我用杂志拍了一下苍蝇。
3 riddle WCfzw     
n.谜,谜语,粗筛;vt.解谜,给…出谜,筛,检查,鉴定,非难,充满于;vi.出谜
参考例句:
  • The riddle couldn't be solved by the child.这个谜语孩子猜不出来。
  • Her disappearance is a complete riddle.她的失踪完全是一个谜。
4 billboard Ttrzj     
n.布告板,揭示栏,广告牌
参考例句:
  • He ploughed his energies into his father's billboard business.他把精力投入到父亲的广告牌业务中。
  • Billboard spreads will be simpler and more eye-catching.广告牌广告会比较简单且更引人注目。
5 sterling yG8z6     
adj.英币的(纯粹的,货真价实的);n.英国货币(英镑)
参考例句:
  • Could you tell me the current rate for sterling, please?能否请您告诉我现行英国货币的兑换率?
  • Sterling has recently been strong,which will help to abate inflationary pressures.英国货币最近非常坚挺,这有助于减轻通胀压力。
6 advertising 1zjzi3     
n.广告业;广告活动 a.广告的;广告业务的
参考例句:
  • Can you give me any advice on getting into advertising? 你能指点我如何涉足广告业吗?
  • The advertising campaign is aimed primarily at young people. 这个广告宣传运动主要是针对年轻人的。
7 wagon XhUwP     
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。
8 evergreen mtFz78     
n.常青树;adj.四季常青的
参考例句:
  • Some trees are evergreen;they are called evergreen.有的树是常青的,被叫做常青树。
  • There is a small evergreen shrub on the hillside.山腰上有一小块常绿灌木丛。
9 hooded hooded     
adj.戴头巾的;有罩盖的;颈部因肋骨运动而膨胀的
参考例句:
  • A hooded figure waited in the doorway. 一个戴兜帽的人在门口等候。
  • Black-eyed gipsy girls, hooded in showy handkerchiefs, sallied forth to tell fortunes. 黑眼睛的吉卜赛姑娘,用华丽的手巾包着头,突然地闯了进来替人算命。 来自辞典例句
10 hood ddwzJ     
n.头巾,兜帽,覆盖;v.罩上,以头巾覆盖
参考例句:
  • She is wearing a red cloak with a hood.她穿着一件红色带兜帽的披风。
  • The car hood was dented in.汽车的发动机罩已凹了进去。
11 shovel cELzg     
n.铁锨,铲子,一铲之量;v.铲,铲出
参考例句:
  • He was working with a pick and shovel.他在用镐和铲干活。
  • He seized a shovel and set to.他拿起一把铲就干上了。
12 helping 2rGzDc     
n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的,辅助的
参考例句:
  • The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
  • By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。
13 chuckled 8ce1383c838073977a08258a1f3e30f8     
轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • She chuckled at the memory. 想起这件事她就暗自发笑。
  • She chuckled softly to herself as she remembered his astonished look. 想起他那惊讶的表情,她就轻轻地暗自发笑。
14 inspection y6TxG     
n.检查,审查,检阅
参考例句:
  • On random inspection the meat was found to be bad.经抽查,发现肉变质了。
  • The soldiers lined up for their daily inspection by their officers.士兵们列队接受军官的日常检阅。
15 housekeeper 6q2zxl     
n.管理家务的主妇,女管家
参考例句:
  • A spotless stove told us that his mother is a diligent housekeeper.炉子清洁无瑕就表明他母亲是个勤劳的主妇。
  • She is an economical housekeeper and feeds her family cheaply.她节约持家,一家人吃得很省。
16 rosy kDAy9     
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。
17 poking poking     
n. 刺,戳,袋 vt. 拨开,刺,戳 vi. 戳,刺,捅,搜索,伸出,行动散慢
参考例句:
  • He was poking at the rubbish with his stick. 他正用手杖拨动垃圾。
  • He spent his weekends poking around dusty old bookshops. 他周末都泡在布满尘埃的旧书店里。
18 holly hrdzTt     
n.[植]冬青属灌木
参考例句:
  • I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree.最近我从一棵冬青树上弄了些木料。
  • People often decorate their houses with holly at Christmas.人们总是在圣诞节时用冬青来装饰房屋。
19 eyebrows a0e6fb1330e9cfecfd1c7a4d00030ed5     
眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Eyebrows stop sweat from coming down into the eyes. 眉毛挡住汗水使其不能流进眼睛。
  • His eyebrows project noticeably. 他的眉毛特别突出。
20 admiration afpyA     
n.钦佩,赞美,羡慕
参考例句:
  • He was lost in admiration of the beauty of the scene.他对风景之美赞不绝口。
  • We have a great admiration for the gold medalists.我们对金牌获得者极为敬佩。
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