Chapter I · Chapter 1

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Mrs. Bell would be "down in a minute," the maid had said.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

possessive form of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

placed crosswise

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Mrs. Bell would be "down in a minute," the maid had said.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

covered with a layer of dust

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

stop blaming or grant forgiveness

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

the act of departing

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

for more time

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

a female domestic

From this reading Mrs. Bell would be "down in a minute," the maid had said.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading Mrs. Bell would be "down in a minute," the maid had said.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

being or made softer or less loud or clear

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

in an anxiously nervous manner

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

a handheld collapsible source of shade

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

a perceptual structure

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

reflect deeply on a subject

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

deeply or seriously thoughtful

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

of the grey-green color of sage leaves

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Mrs. Bell would be "down in a minute," the maid had said.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

express in words

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

successive (without a break)

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Miss Kimpsey was inclined to forgive a greater delay, with this evidence of hasteful preparation going on overhead.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

the act of drawing a plan or diagram or outline

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The longer she had to ponder her mission the better, and she sat up nervously straight pondering it, tracing with her parasol a sage-green block in the elderly aestheticated pattern of the carpet.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

during the time that

From this reading Miss Kimpsey dropped into an arm-chair in Mrs. Leslie Bell's drawing-room and crossed her small dusty feet before her while she waited for Mrs. Leslie Bell.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sitting there, thinking a little of how tired she was and a great deal of what she had come to say, Miss Kimpsey enjoyed a sense of consideration that came through the ceiling with the muffled sound of rapid footsteps in the chamber above.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Mrs. Bell would be "down in a minute," the maid had said.