used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
Annesley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Poor Russell and Annesley left us the day before yesterday.
elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
make certain of
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Poor Russell and Annesley left us the day before yesterday.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
an occurrence of something
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND.
Charlotte'snounUS /ˈʃɑːrləts/
possessive form of “charlotte” — the largest city in North Carolina; located in south central North Carolina
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
colouringnounUS /ˈkʌlərrɪŋ/
a digestible substance used to give color to food
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
commencementnounUS /kəˈmensmənt/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
confidentadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnfədənt/
having or marked by confidence or assurance
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
dearly loved
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
the act of departing
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
an old word for “before”
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
opinion or judgment
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
FALKLAND
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
set up or found
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
GlennounUS /ɡlen/
a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
Glenalta
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
depressingly dark
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
HOWARDnounUS /ˈhaʊərd/
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Poor Russell and Annesley left us the day before yesterday.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
loiteringverbUS /ˈlɔɪtərɪŋ/
-ing form of “loiter” — be about
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
engage in
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
miscalculatedverbUS /mɪˈskælkjəleɪtɪd/
past form of “miscalculate” — judge incorrectly
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
not any; not one
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Poor Russell and Annesley left us the day before yesterday.
proposalsnounUS /prəˈpoʊzəlz/
plural of “proposal” — something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
quitverbUS /kwɪt/
put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
RussellnounUS /ˈrʌsəl/
United States religious leader who founded the sect that is now called Jehovah's Witnesses (1852-1916)
From this reading Poor Russell and Annesley left us the day before yesterday.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
sympatheticadjectiveUS /ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk/
of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
tingedverbUS /tɪŋd/
past form of “tinge” — affect as in thought or feeling
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Poor Russell and Annesley left us the day before yesterday.
precisely as stated
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ of countenance told me this.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
in the company of; together with
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I told you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, and so in this case I found it.
the day immediately before today
From this reading Poor Russell and Annesley left us the day before yesterday.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading My dear Charles, This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure you.
