Chapter XV

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

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

in a keen or penetrating way

From this reading All at once she became very acutely conscious of her bourgeoise dress and unpowdered hair.

later than; following

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel or straight

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

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

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

take into custody

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading All at once she became very acutely conscious of her bourgeoise dress and unpowdered hair.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

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

From this reading All at once she became very acutely conscious of her bourgeoise dress and unpowdered hair.

bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

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

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

the state of being with someone

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

intentionally conceived

From this reading All at once she became very acutely conscious of her bourgeoise dress and unpowdered hair.

close interaction

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

exhibiting courtesy and politeness

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

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

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

present for the first time to the public

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

put on clothes

From this reading All at once she became very acutely conscious of her bourgeoise dress and unpowdered hair.

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

intense or sharp

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

set up or found

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

unflinching in battle or action

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

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

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading All at once she became very acutely conscious of her bourgeoise dress and unpowdered hair.

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

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

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

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

occurring every hour or payable by the hour

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

marked by or promising bad fortune

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

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

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

unbiased impartial unconcern

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

an intervening period or episode

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

the state of being alone in solitary isolation

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

on one occasion

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

and nothing more

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

plural of “period” — an amount of time

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

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

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

the manner in which something is greeted

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

French general who commanded French troops in the American Revolution, notably at Yorktown (1725-1807)

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

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

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

activities associated with sexual intercourse

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

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

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

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

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

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

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

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

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

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

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

not peaceful

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

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

From this reading All at once she became very acutely conscious of her bourgeoise dress and unpowdered hair.

defying expression or description

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading SANS SOUCI In after days Aline de Rochambeau looked back upon her time in prison as a not unpeaceful interlude between two periods of stress and terror.

precisely as stated

From this reading All at once she became very acutely conscious of her bourgeoise dress and unpowdered hair.

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

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The dresses were a good deal shabbier, the ladies’ coiffures not quite so well arranged, but there was the same gay, light talk, the same bowing and curtsying, the same air of high-bred indifference to all that did not concern the polite arts.

at the time that

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

in the company of; together with

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading When she joined the other prisoners on the morning after her arrest, the scene surprised her by its resemblance to that ill-fated reception which had witnessed at once her debut and her farewell to society.

combining clever conception and facetious expression

From this reading After loneliness unspeakable, broken only by companionship with the coarse, the dull, the cruel, she found herself in the politest society of France, and in daily, hourly contact with all that was graceful, exquisite, and refined in her own sex,—gallant, witty, and courteous in the other.