Chapter XI

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

aroused to action

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

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

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

expel from a community or group

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

only a very short time before

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

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

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

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

From this reading A few steps were taken, then a pause made to listen, then on went the cat-like tread from door to door.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

a covering designed to be worn on a person's body

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

past form of “crawl” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading A few steps were taken, then a pause made to listen, then on went the cat-like tread from door to door.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

being one more than seven

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

covered or protected with or as if with a case

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

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

From this reading A few steps were taken, then a pause made to listen, then on went the cat-like tread from door to door.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

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

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

hear with intention

From this reading A few steps were taken, then a pause made to listen, then on went the cat-like tread from door to door.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A few steps were taken, then a pause made to listen, then on went the cat-like tread from door to door.

used to form the superlative

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

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

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

on one occasion

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

above and across; more than

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something

From this reading A few steps were taken, then a pause made to listen, then on went the cat-like tread from door to door.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

unusual or striking

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

not arrogant or presuming

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

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

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

plural of “slipper” — low footwear that can be slipped on and off easily; usually worn indoors

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

offering safety; well protected or concealed

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

with low volume

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

-ing form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading A few steps were taken, then a pause made to listen, then on went the cat-like tread from door to door.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

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

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading A few steps were taken, then a pause made to listen, then on went the cat-like tread from door to door.

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

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

at the time that

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

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

From this reading "LA SOMNAMBULA" When the bell for retiring rang at half-past nine that night, it produced a most remarkable effect, for, instead of suggesting snug beds and dream-land, it seemed instantly to banish any desire for sleep which the previous study hour from eight to nine had aroused in several of the girls.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading They all went to their rooms, to be sure, but once within them a startling change took place.

a fabric made from the hair of sheep

From this reading They had barely gotten settled when footsteps were heard coming softly down the corridor, as though the feet taking the steps were encased in wool slippers, and the owner of those feet wished to avoid being heard.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Instead of undressing like wise young people, they slipped off their dresses, and put on their night-dresses over the rest of their clothing, then all crawled into bed to await the first act of "La Somnambula."