基础段-猴爪（原著版第13集）

一，原文文章：

He gazed furtively at Mrs. Whtie, and listened in a preoccupied fashion as the old lady apologized for the appearance of the room, and her husband's coat,a garment which he usually reserved for the garden. 

"I--was asked to call," he said at last, and stooped and picked a piece of cotton from his trousers. "I comefrom Maw and Meggins."

The old lady startled. "Is anything the matter?" she asked breathlessly. "Has anything happened toHerbert? What is it? What is it?"

Her husband interposed. "There, there, mother," he said hastily. "Sit down, and don't jump to conclusions.You've not brought bad news, I'm sure, sir" and heeyed the other wistfully.

"I'm sorry----" began the visitor.
"Is he hurt?" demanded the mother.

The visitor bowed in assent. "Badly hurt," he said quietly, "but he is not in any pain."

"Oh, thank God!" said the old woman, clasping herhands. "Thank God for that! Thank----"

She broke off suddenly as the sinister meaning of the assurance dawned upon her.

二，词汇知识：

1. appearance：外观

2. garment：装束

3. reserve for：为....保留

4. cotton：棉线

5. startle：惊恐；吓一跳

6. breathlessly：屏住呼吸地

7. interpose：插话

8. there：你瞧

9. conclusion：结论

10. jump to conclusion：过早下结论

11. wistful：渴望的

12. demand：询问

13. bow：弯腰

14. assent：同意

15. clasp：紧握

16. break off：暂停

17. sinister：不祥的

18. assurance：证实

19. dawn upon：被理解；被领悟