Chapter XXXVIII · Edith and Gertie

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

acquired as your own by free choice

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

(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 More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

past form of “bathe” — cleanse the entire body

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

next to; at the side of

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

touched lightly in passing; grazed against

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

a resin obtained from the camphor tree; used in making celluloid and liniment

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

any compound containing a chlorine atom

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

a straight line connecting two points on a curve

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

(of hair) made tidy with a comb

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

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

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

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

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

a female human offspring

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

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

From this reading And Miss Rossiter did not shrink from the task imposed upon her.

an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

divisible by two

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

at any time

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

promote over another

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And Miss Rossiter did not shrink from the task imposed upon her.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

a young female

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

lacking in or deprived of strength or power

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

having services engaged for a fee

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

set forth authoritatively as obligatory

From this reading And Miss Rossiter did not shrink from the task imposed upon her.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

and nothing more

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

past form of “kiss” — touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

supporting yourself on your knees

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

a feeling of pleasure and enjoyment

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

a caustic substance produced by heating limestone

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

with fondness; with love

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

a compact mass

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

an alkaloid narcotic drug extracted from opium; a powerful, habit-forming narcotic used to relieve pain

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

not any; not one

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading And Miss Rossiter did not shrink from the task imposed upon her.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

past form of “obey” — be obedient to

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

on one occasion

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

inflected form of “pet” — stroke or caress gently

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

something that resembles a tablet of medicine in shape or size

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

on the contrary

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

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

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

inflected form of “rub” — move over something with pressure

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

Identical; not different.

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

cut with a saw

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading And Miss Rossiter did not shrink from the task imposed upon her.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

past form of “swallow” — pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

carry out

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading And Miss Rossiter did not shrink from the task imposed upon her.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

in or at that place or location

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

having come into contact

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

disregarding your own advantages and welfare over those of others

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And Miss Rossiter did not shrink from the task imposed upon her.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading During the days and nights they had watched together by Godfrey’s side, Gertie had crept a long way into Miss Rossiter’s heart by her quiet, gentle manner, and her kind, unselfish thoughtfulness for her companion’s comfort.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

at the time that

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

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

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

belonging to which person

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading True, she wore a lump of camphor in her bosom to prevent infection, just as she had done in Godfrey’s room, and she occasionally swallowed a pill of morphine, and kept the house full of chloride of lime, and used every disinfectant of which she had ever heard, and hired a nurse to take care of Gertie, but stood by her all the same, and saw that the doctor’s orders were obeyed.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading More than once, when Miss Rossiter looked tired and worn, Gertie had made her lie down, and kneeling beside her had bathed and rubbed her head, and even her feet, and combed and brushed her hair, and had done it all as if it were a favor to herself rather than to her companion, whose duty it now was to care for her.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading When Gertie wound her arms around Miss Rossiter’s neck and kissed her so lovingly, she touched a chord in the woman’s heart which had never been touched before,—a chord which, under favorable circumstances, would have vibrated with a mother’s love, and which now brought to life so strong a liking for the helpless girl, that had there been no Edith in the way, Miss Rossiter would have adopted her at once as her own petted daughter.