Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

how long something has existed

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

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

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

eagerly desirous

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

from appearances alone

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

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

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

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

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

begging

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

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

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

dearly loved

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

-ing form of “debate” — argue with one another

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

worth having or seeking or achieving

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

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

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

first in order of birth

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

plural of “elli” — (Norse mythology) goddess of old age who defeated Thor in a wrestling match

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

opinion or judgment

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

a young female

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

the act of departing

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

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

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

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

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

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

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

possessive form of “hutton” — English cricketer (1916-1990)

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

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

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

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

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

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

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

English historian noted for his works on the history of English law (1850-1906)

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

informal terms for a mother

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

express the need or desire for

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

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

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

carry out

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

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

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

precisely as stated

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

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

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

look attentively

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

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

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

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

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

during the time that

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading I am sure we should all like to see them, and I do so wish that Clara was here, to go with us, she is such a dear girl.'

in the company of; together with

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading We are going to see John Hutton's beehives; he has got some new glass ones, and he says it is so interesting to watch the little creatures at work.

a late time of life

From this reading 'Mamma dear,' said Dora Maitland, the eldest of that lady's two daughters, a sweet gentle-looking girl about twelve years of age, 'may Annie and I go and ask Mabel and Julia Ellis to take a walk with us this afternoon?

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading While this request was making, Dora's younger sister, Annie, stood looking with beseeching eyes at mamma, evidently very anxious for that lady's reply, which was not immediately given, for Mrs. Maitland was apparently debating in her own mind whether it were desirable, or not, to attend to Dora's request.