used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
highly skilled
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
assertverbUS /əˈsɜːrt/
state categorically
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
assertionsnounUS /əˈsɜːrʃənz/
plural of “assertion” — a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
tried unsuccessfully
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
authoritativeadjectiveUS /əˈθɔːrəteɪtɪv/
having authority or ascendancy or influence
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
an admission of misdeeds or faults
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
contentionnounUS /kənˈtenʃən/
a point asserted as part of an argument
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
a small house with a single story
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
deceptionsnounUS /dɪˈsepʃənz/
plural of “deception” — a misleading falsehood
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
deteriorationnounUS /dɪˈtɪriəreɪʃən/
a symptom of reduced quality or strength
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
distrustedverbUS /dɪˈstrʌstəd/
past form of “distrust” — regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
encourageverbUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒ/
contribute to the progress or growth of
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
divisible by two
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
foremostadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmoʊst/
ranking above all others
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
the act of giving
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
grievedverbUS /ɡriːvd/
past form of “grieve” — feel grief
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
Hugh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
husband'snounUS /ˈhʌzbəndz/
possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
influencesnounUS /ˈɪnfluːənsɪz/
plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
instinctsnounUS /ˈɪnstɪŋkts/
plural of “instinct” — inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
IrisnounUS /ˈaɪrəs/
plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
justifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪd/
having words so spaced that lines have straight even margins
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
KEYHOLEnounUS /ˈkiːhoʊl/
the hole where a key is inserted
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
a female domestic
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
misgivingsnounUS /mɪsˈɡɪvɪŋz/
plural of “misgiving” — uneasiness about the fitness of an action
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
moraladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrəl/
concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
Mountjoy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
not any; not one
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
offencenoun
the action of attacking an enemy
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
have ownership or possession of
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
recommendedverbUS /ˌrekəˈmendɪd/
past form of “recommend” — push for something
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
removalnounUS /rɪˈmuːvəl/
the act of removing
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
resistancenounUS /rɪˈzɪstəns/
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
saddestadjectiveUS /ˈsædəst/
superlative of “sad” — experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
not in physical motion
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
strugglingadjectiveUS /ˈstrʌɡəlɪŋ/
engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
threateningadjectiveUS /ˈθretənɪŋ/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
Vimpany
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
voluntaryadjectiveUS /ˈvɑːlənteri/
of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading How could Hugh hope to encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of Vimpany at the cottage?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading His presence kept her in a state of perpetual contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her confidence.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving offence to her husband?
the words that are spoken
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading THE MAID AND THE KEYHOLE DEEPLY as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the husband's influence against him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better nature still struggling to assert itself.
