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 MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

later than; following

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

on or to one side

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

past form of “blaze” — shine brightly and intensively

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

fearless and daring

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

plural of “deck” — any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

weakening in force or intensity

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

a temporary passageway of planks (as over mud on a building site)

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

a young female

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

immediately past

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

a female domestic

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

go across or through

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

third-person singular of “renew” — reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

a strong line

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

the work of a sailor

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

plural of “shed” — an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

utter in a loud voice; talk in a loud voice (usually denoting characteristic manner of speaking)

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

cause (a liquid) to spatter about, especially with force

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

in a spotless manner

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

plural of “tier” — a relative position or degree of value in a graded group

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

past form of “tower” — appear very large or occupy a commanding position

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

a message informing of danger

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

at the time that

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

a Caucasian

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

belonging to which person

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.