单选题

Next to Sir Andrew in the club-room sits Captain Sentry, a gentleman of great cour age, good understanding, but invincible modesty. He is one of those that deserve very well, but are very awkward at putting their talents within the observation of such as should take notice of them. He was some years a captain, and behaved himself with great gallantry in several engagements and at several sieges; but having a small estate of his own, and being next heir to Sir Roger, he has quitted a way of life in which no man can rise suitably to his merit, who is not something of a courtier as well as a soldier. I have heard him often lament that in a profession where merit is placed in so conspicuous a view, impudence should get the better of modesty. When he had talked to this purpose; I never heard him make a sour expression, but frankly confess that he left the world because he was not fit for it. A strict honesty, and an even regular behavior, are in themselves obsta cles to him that must press through crowds, who endeavour at the same end with himself, the favor of a commander. He will, however, in his way of talk excuse generals for not disposing according to men's desert, or inquiring into it; for, says he, that the great man who has a mind to help me, has as many, to break through to come at me, as I have to come at him: therefore he will conclude that the man who would make a figure, especially in a military way, must get over all false modesty, and assist his patron against the impor tunity of other pretenders, by a proper assurance in his own vindication. He says it is a civil cowardice to be backward in asserting what you ought to expect, as it is a military fear to be slow in attacking when it is your duty. With this eandour does the gentleman speak of himself and others. The same frankness runs through all his conversation. The military part of his life has furnished him with many adventures, in the relation of which he is very agreeable to the company; for he is never overbearing, though accustomed to command men in the utmost degree below him; nor ever too obsequious, from a habit of obeying men highly above him.

【正确答案】 D

【答案解析】[解析] 本题的四个选项中，只有D项为正确答案。这可从文中Captain Sentry的谈话内容推知，即他老是悲叹，他在这个行业(即部队)本应该把一个人的优点放在首位，但厚颜无耻却胜过了谦虚。谈到这一点，作者从未听到他愠怒的声音，但坦率地承认他离开部队，是因为他不适应部队生活。过于诚实和按部就班的行为妨碍他挤进指挥官恩宠的人群。据此可知，captain Sentry让人觉得他值得注意，因为他坦率。另外，根据总结性的语言With this candour does the gentleman speak of himself and other(这位先生以这样的坦率谈自己和别人的情况)和The same frankness runs through all his conversation(以同样的坦率贯穿于他的谈话)也可以选准答案。