used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
(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 Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
eagerly desirous
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
APPEARANCESnounUS /əˈpɪrənsəz/
plural of “appearance” — outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading KEEPING UP APPEARANCES.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/
past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
conclusionsnounUS /kənˈkluːʒənz/
plural of “conclusion” — a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
dismissedadjectiveUS /dɪˈsmɪst/
having lost your job
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
exertionnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃən/
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
exhaustverbUS /ɪɡˈzɔːst/
wear out completely
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
expenditurenounUS /ɪkˈspendətʃər/
money paid out; an amount spent
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
formingverbUS /ˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
gravernounUS /ˈɡreɪvər/
a tool used by an engraver
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
conformity or harmony
From this reading KEEPING UP APPEARANCES.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
leapnounUS /liːp/
a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
engage in
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
notingverbUS /ˈnoʊtɪŋ/
-ing form of “note” — make mention of
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
a judge of a probate court
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
Penton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
Pentons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
RussellnounUS /ˈrʌsəl/
United States religious leader who founded the sect that is now called Jehovah's Witnesses (1852-1916)
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
cut with a saw
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
a male human offspring
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
express in speech
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
not in physical motion
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
express in words
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
tendenciesnounUS /ˈtendənsiz/
plural of “tendency” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
themenounUS /θiːm/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
topicsnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪks/
plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
trivialadjectiveUS /ˈtrɪviəl/
(informal) small and of little importance
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
unappreciatedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/
not likely to be rewarded
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
unhappinessnounUS /ənˈhæpinɪs/
emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading KEEPING UP APPEARANCES.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
in or at the place that
From this reading Who can tell the burden it was to talk, to smile, to exhaust all the trivial subjects that occurred to her, to keep at a distance all those graver topics which might bring in Walter--which might lead to discussion of where he was or how employed?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
which person or people
From this reading The Russell Pentons stayed a long time--at least, these anxious people thought so, who believed their visitors to be noting the signs of their unhappiness, and forming still stronger and stronger conclusions against their son.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She saw, so to speak, half a mile off those tendencies of conversation which might lead to him, and, with a sudden leap, would get away from these to another and another theme, which each in its turn would have to be dismissed and avoided.
a late time of life
From this reading The effort Lady Penton made to carry on the conversation was one of those efforts, gigantic, unappreciated, in which women have sometimes to make an expenditure of strength which is equal to years of ordinary exertion.
