Chapter IX

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

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

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

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

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

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading Jessie had a slight attack of hay-fever, and from time to time indulged in a fit of sneezing.

a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

plural of “blind” — people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

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

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

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

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

any shape resembling the curved shape of the moon in its first or last quarters

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

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

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

a room used for dining

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

covered with a layer of dust

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

move gently or carefully

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

divisible by two

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Jessie had a slight attack of hay-fever, and from time to time indulged in a fit of sneezing.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Jessie had a slight attack of hay-fever, and from time to time indulged in a fit of sneezing.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

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

From this reading Jessie had a slight attack of hay-fever, and from time to time indulged in a fit of sneezing.

made warm or hot (“het” is a dialectal variant of “heated”)

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

capital of the state of Montana; located in western Montana

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

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

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

past form of “indulge” — give free rein to

From this reading Jessie had a slight attack of hay-fever, and from time to time indulged in a fit of sneezing.

the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

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

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

the middle part of July

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

not any; not one

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

according to the clock

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

a city in western California on San Francisco Bay opposite San Francisco; primarily and industrial urban center

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

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

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

by chance

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

with reluctance

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

Identical; not different.

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

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

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

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

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

be seated

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

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

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Jessie had a slight attack of hay-fever, and from time to time indulged in a fit of sneezing.

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

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

a symptom consisting of the involuntary expulsion of air from the nose

From this reading Jessie had a slight attack of hay-fever, and from time to time indulged in a fit of sneezing.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Jessie had a slight attack of hay-fever, and from time to time indulged in a fit of sneezing.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

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

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

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

From this reading She had tried sitting in her father's study, but that had an infection of stray cigar-smoke about it which she did not want to catch, and the dining-room and her own bedroom, since they faced the same way as the drawing-room, presented no counter-attractions.

during the time that

From this reading So, reluctantly, she was compelled to sit here, while Jessie, with a book in her hand, sat at the other end of the room.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading It was four o'clock on an afternoon of mid-July, and the westering sun had begun to blaze into the drawing-room windows of Colonel Vautier's house in Oakland Crescent.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was pleasant enough there in the winter, for the room, being small, was easily heated; but in the summer, with even greater ease it grew oven-like, and Helena, sitting by the open window for the sake of any air that might possibly wander into the dusty crescent, was obliged to pull down the blinds.