used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
(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 All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
arrangementsnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənts/
plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
arrivingverbUS /ərˈaɪvɪŋ/
-ing form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
attendantnounUS /əˈtendənt/
someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
attractverbUS /əˈtrækt/
direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
Beauchamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
bridle-paths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
carriage-roads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
comernounUS /ˈkʌmər/
someone with a promising future
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
consternationnounUS /ˌkɑːnstərˈneɪʃən/
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
the act of departing
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
discomfortnounUS /dɪˈskʌmfərt/
the state of being tense and feeling pain
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
disgraceverbUS /dɪsˈɡreɪs/
bring shame or dishonor upon
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
dismaynounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/
the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
increase twofold
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
apart from; not including
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
accept an excuse for
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
a social unit living together
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
gallopedverbUS /ˈɡæləpt/
past form of “gallop” — ride at a galloping pace
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
glass-doors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
heedingverbUS /ˈhiːdɪŋ/
-ing form of “heed” — pay close attention to; give heed to
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
cause to move by striking
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
located inward
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
inventoriesnounUS /ˌɪnvənˈtɔːriz/
plural of “inventory” — a detailed list of all the items in stock
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
knotnounUS /nɑːt/
a tight cluster of people or things
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
not any; not one
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
and nothing more
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
packingnounUS /ˈpækɪŋ/
any material used especially to protect something
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
by chance
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
reinverbUS /reɪn/
control and direct with or as if by reins
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
express in words
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
term of address for a man
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
Slingsby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
carry out
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
Tarningham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading One excuse, perhaps, might be that there were so many people arriving, that a new comer could attract no attention.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
a special situation
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
in the direction of
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
vestibulenounUS /ˈvestɪbjuːl/
a large entrance or reception room or area
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
at the time that
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
in or at the place that
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
which person or people
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
in the company of; together with
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading All was dismay and confusion in the house of Sir John Slingsby, when, after having galloped across the park, without heeding bridle-paths or carriage-roads, Beauchamp drew hit rein at the door.
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading It seemed as if a general call had been made upon Tarningham, to attend and witness the disgrace and discomfort of the family.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading No servant came to take the horse, for all were busy within, though, busy with what, would have been difficult to say.
but in spite of that
From this reading The only thing they had to be busy with was their own consternation; for there was no packing up for departure, no inventories, no arrangements in progress; and yet not an attendant appeared, except through the double glass-doors, where a knot was to be seen assembled in the inner vestibule, who never turned a look towards the terrace before the house.
