Chapter X

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

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

Having no one else present.

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

congenital absence of an arm or leg

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

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

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

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

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

the verbal act of requesting

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

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

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

the lower side of anything

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading FAIR FIGHTING The weeks flew by.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

a slight indication

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading FAIR FIGHTING The weeks flew by.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

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

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading FAIR FIGHTING The weeks flew by.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading FAIR FIGHTING The weeks flew by.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

set up or found

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

the act of departing

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

destroyed or killed

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

plural of “governor” — the head of a state government

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

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

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

an established custom

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

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

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

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

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

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

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

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

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

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

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

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

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

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 The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

take the midday meal

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

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

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

a periodical that is published every month (or 12 issues per year)

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

used to form the superlative

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

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

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

not any; not one

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

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

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

with low volume

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

move hurridly

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

made afraid

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

plural of “school” — an educational institution

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

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

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

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

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading She meant to get to the bottom of the mystery somehow, but so far she had not found much reward for her searching.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

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

From this reading FAIR FIGHTING The weeks flew by.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

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

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

not suspicious

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

the topmost one of two

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

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

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading FAIR FIGHTING The weeks flew by.

at the time that

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading The Head and Miss Groome did not forget; but whereas Miss Groome frankly admitted herself scared stiff by the uncanny character of the find, and refused to be left alone in the sitting-room on the upper floor when the others had gone to bed, the Head got into the habit of walking quietly up the stairs most nights, going along the passage, opening the doors of the different rooms, and coming down the other stairs.

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

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.

which person or people

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When the governors had arrived on their monthly visit to the schools, and had come to lunch with the girls, she had invited the unsuspecting gentlemen into her private room, and had led the talk to the days of the past, and then had put a few searching questions about the tragedy of Amelia Herschstein, asking who she was, and how it came about that such an accident occurred.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading There had been no clue to the mystery of that torn book which had Amelia Herschstein’s name written inside the cover, and in the rush of other things the matter had been nearly forgotten by most of the girls.