Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

not being in a specified place

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

later than; following

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

in addition

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

eagerly desirous

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

from appearances alone

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

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

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

-ing form of “benefit” — derive a benefit from

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

of large size for its weight

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

the discipline that studies the principles of transmiting information and the methods by which it is delivered (as print or radio or television etc.)

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

joined together into a whole

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

communication by the exchange of letters

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

a female human offspring

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

a reduction in the gross amount on which a tax is calculated; reduces taxes by the percentage fixed for the taxpayer's income bracket

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

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

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

not pleased; experiencing or manifesting displeasure

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

opinion or judgment

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

many times at short intervals

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

a young female

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

destroyed or killed

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

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

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

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

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

connected by participation or association or use

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

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

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

used to form the superlative

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

being perceived or observed

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

on one occasion

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

in accord with physical laws

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

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

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

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

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

having a supporting base

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

not in physical motion

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

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

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

in an acceptable (but not outstanding) manner

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

an untroubled state; free from disturbances

From this reading He had, his daughter knew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that the tranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious when communications from England reached him.

two times

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

being unoccupied

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

English navigator remembered for his exploration of the Pacific coast of North America (1757-1798)

From this reading In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringham still appeared content to linger at Somasco.

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

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

(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 She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

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

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

at the time that

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

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

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

during the time that

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

which person or people

From this reading There were, however, times when Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing into vacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who had once or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inward conflict in his face, was not displeased.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE COMPACT After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton was frequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut up with bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in an extensive correspondence with the cities.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading She could arrive at a tolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women.