Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

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

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

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

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

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

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

inflected form of “behold” — see with attention

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

in good time

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

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

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

without seeing or looking

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

in a breathless manner

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

a small storeroom for storing foods or wines

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

a young person of either sex

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

characterized by great determination

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

a ladle that has a cup with a long handle

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

divisible by two

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

an opening that permits escape or release

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

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

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

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

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

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

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

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

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

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

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

steadfast in allegiance or duty

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

most important element

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

a little girl (usually one you are fond of)

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

an uneasy psychological state

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

above and across; more than

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

a small storeroom for storing foods or wines

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

on the contrary

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

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

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

without much difficulty

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

(Old Testment) a son of Jacob and forefather of one of the tribes of Israel

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

try to get or reach

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

comparative of “steady” — not subject to change or variation especially in behavior

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

past form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

carry out

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

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

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

someone who betrays his country by committing treason

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

a quiet or hushed tone of voice

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

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

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

the topmost one of two

From this reading And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely down upon her.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

be awake, be alert, be there

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

the act of rotating in a circle or spiral

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

comparative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

a specific feeling of desire

From this reading So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the garret stairway.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A LOYAL TRAITOR Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers secured the outer bolt of the buttery door.

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

From this reading Her head was whirling, and she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she must take it to her.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver."