Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

(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 The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

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

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading THE COMMONSTONE BALL.

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

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

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

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

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

From this reading THE COMMONSTONE BALL.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

a secret agreement between two or more people to perform an unlawful act

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

opinion or judgment

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

the act of departing

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

an outlying farm

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

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

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

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

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

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

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

a polite name for any woman

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

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

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

comparative of “nice” — pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

inflected form of “plot” — plan secretly, usually something illegal

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

express in words

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

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

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading THE COMMONSTONE BALL.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

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

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

past form of “vow” — make a vow; promise

From this reading He vowed to-day the Grange party should go to the ball, and I hope they may."

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading "I wonder," exclaimed Laura Chipchase, "whether Jim has carried his point?

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

From this reading The same evening that all this discussion--one might almost say plotting and counter-plotting--concerning the Commonstone ball was going on at the Grange, there was a conversation going on at Todborough Rectory, which, could she but have heard it, would have somewhat opened Lady Mary's eyes to the conspiracy of which she had been the victim.

an affirmative

From this reading "Yes," said Miss Sylla, "it is always nicer, I think, to be one of a large party in an affair of this sort.