Work: A Story of Experience - Chapter 10

MRS. STERLING ¹., ,IT was an April day when Christie went to her new home. Warm rains had melted the last trace of snow, and every bank was full of pricking ² grass-blades, brave little pioneers and heralds ³ of the Spring. The budding elm boughs ⁴ swung in the wind; blue-jays screamed among the apple-trees; and robins ⁵ chirped ⁶ shrilly ⁷, as if rejoicing over winter hardships safely passed. Vernal freshness was in the air despite its chill, and lovely hints of summer time were everywhere., ,These welcome sights and sounds met Christie, as she walked down the lane, and, coming to a gate, paused there to look about her. An old-fashioned cottage stood in the midst of a garden just awakening ⁸ from its winter sleep. One elm hung protectingly over the low roof, sunshine lay warmly on it, and at every window flowers' bright faces smiled at the passer-by invitingly ⁹., , ,A quiet, friendly place it looked; for nothing marred ¹⁴ its peace, and the hopeful, healthful spirit of the season seemed to haunt the spot. Snow-drops and crocuses were up in one secluded ¹⁵ nook; a plump maltese cat sat purring in the porch; and a dignified ¹⁶ old dog came marching down the walk to escort the stranger in. With a brightening face Christie went up the path, and tapped at the quaint ¹⁷ knocker, hoping that the face she was about to see would be in keeping with the pleasant place., ,She was not disappointed, for the dearest of little Quaker ladies opened to her, with such an air of peace and good-will that the veriest ruffian, coming to molest ¹⁹ or make afraid, would have found it impossible to mar ¹³ the tranquillity ²¹ of that benign ²² old face, or disturb one fold of the soft muslin crossed upon her breast., ,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。,She felt a pricking on her scalp. 她感到头皮上被扎了一下 。