死亡约会 Part I Chapter 11（2）

It did something to her—that low, vibrant¹ tone. It made her heart turn over in her breast. It madeher feel shy, afraid, humble² and yet suddenly arrogantly³ glad. She said quite simply: ‘Yes.’

He came nearer—still dazed—still only half believing.

Then suddenly he took her hand.

‘It is you,’ he said. ‘You’re real. I thought at first you were a ghost—because I’d been thinkingabout you so much.’ He paused and then said, ‘I love you, you know…I have from the moment Isaw you in the train. I know that now. And I want you to know it so that—so that you’ll know itisn’t me—the real me—who—who behaves so caddishly. You see I can’t answer for myself evennow. I might do–anything! I might pass you by or cut you, but I do want you to know that it isn’tme—the real me—who is responsible for that. It’s my nerves. I can’t depend on them…When shetells me to do things—I do them! My nerves make me! You will understand, won’t you? Despiseme if you have to—’

She interrupted him. Her voice was low and unexpectedly sweet. ‘I won’t despise you.’

‘All the same, I’m pretty despicable! I ought to—to be able to behave like a man.’

It was partly an echo of Gerard’s advice, but more out of her own knowledge and hope thatSarah answered — and behind the sweetness of her voice there was a ring of certainty andconscious authority.

‘You will now.’

‘Shall I?’ His voice was wistful. ‘Perhaps…’

‘You’ll have courage now. I’m sure of it.’

He drew himself up—flung back his head.

‘Courage? Yes, that’s all that’s needed. Courage!’

Suddenly he bent⁴ his head, touched her hand with his lips. A minute later he had left her.

 

1 vibrant   

adj.震颤的，响亮的，充满活力的，精力充沛的，(色彩)鲜明的

参考例句：

• He always uses vibrant colours in his paintings. 他在画中总是使用鲜明的色彩。
• She gave a vibrant performance in the leading role in the school play.她在学校表演中生气盎然地扮演了主角。

2 humble   

adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低

参考例句：

• In my humble opinion,he will win the election.依我拙见，他将在选举中获胜。
• Defeat and failure make people humble.挫折与失败会使人谦卑。

3 arrogantly   

adv.傲慢地

参考例句：

• The consular porter strode arrogantly ahead with his light swinging. 领事馆的门房提着摇来晃去的灯，在前面大摇大摆地走着。
• It made his great nose protrude more arrogantly. 这就使得他的大鼻子更加傲慢地翘起来。

4 bent   

n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的

参考例句：

• He was fully bent upon the project.他一心扑在这项计划上。
• We bent over backward to help them.我们尽了最大努力帮助他们。