Chapter XIX · The Result

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

anew

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

(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 “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

terminate

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

-ing form of “burst” — come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

make calm or still

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

made comfortable or more comfortable in a time of distress

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

with trust; in a trusting manner

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

leaping insect; male makes chirping noises by rubbing the forewings together

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

possessive form of “cricket” — leaping insect; male makes chirping noises by rubbing the forewings together

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

(of hair) having curls or waves

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

anxious embarrassment

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

past form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

one or the other of two

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

opinion or judgment

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

set up or found

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

a young female

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

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

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

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

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

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

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

without logical or meaningful connection

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

march aggressively into another's territory by military force for the purposes of conquest and occupation

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

inflected form of “mop” — to wash or wipe with or as if with a mop

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

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

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

used to form the superlative

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

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

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

drawn or pressed close to someone or something for or as if for affection or protection

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

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

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

and nothing more

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

cause to run

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

in the near future

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

an executive officer of a firm or corporation

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

possessive form of “president” — an executive officer of a firm or corporation

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

a place of inviolable privacy

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

with respect to science; in a scientific way

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

lift onto one's shoulders

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

convulsive gasp made while weeping

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

in the near future

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

not in physical motion

From this reading He mopped away Cricket’s tears most scientifically, and presently pulled still another handkerchief from some other pocket.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

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

From this reading But so far as any surprise or discomfiture showed itself on his face, the President seemed to be perfectly accustomed to having strange little girls invade his sanctum, break in on his sacred quiet, pour forth an incoherent tale, and end up by bursting into a flood of tears, and submitting to be taken into his arms to be comforted.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

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

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

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

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

at the time that

From this reading “Now, my little girl, I want to know more about all this,” said the kindly voice, when she was quite calm and quiet again.

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

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

which person or people

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Soon the storm passed, and Cricket, spent with fatigue, found her curly head nestled as confidingly against the President’s shoulder as if it had been her father’s, with only a long-drawn, sobbing breath now and then.

but in spite of that

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You see, I don’t know who my little friend is, yet, either,” he added, smiling down into the gray eyes, in which all the usual mischief and light were nearly drowned out.