Chapter XVII · The Candle Flickers

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

(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 Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

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

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

a line of approach

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

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

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Happiness is quite independent of wealth, and what wealth can procure.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

third-person singular of “contribute” — bestow a quality on

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

a small house with a single story

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

divisible by two

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

the region that is outside of something

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

-ing form of “front” — be oriented in a certain direction, often with respect to another reference point; be opposite to

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

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

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

impressive in appearance

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

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

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

free from external control and constraint

From this reading Happiness is quite independent of wealth, and what wealth can procure.

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

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

From this reading Happiness is quite independent of wealth, and what wealth can procure.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

immediately past

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

the act of departing

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

United States rock star singer and pianist (born in 1935)

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

plural of “machination” — a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

splendid or imposing in size or appearance

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

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 Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

a son of your brother or sister

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

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

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

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

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

go across or through

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

get by special effort

From this reading Happiness is quite independent of wealth, and what wealth can procure.

one of four equal parts

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Happiness is quite independent of wealth, and what wealth can procure.

the basic unit of money in South Africa; equal to 100 cents

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

express in words

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

only a very short time before

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

be standing; be upright

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading We stand before a palace-like structure, fronting on Fifth Avenue, whose imposing exterior scarcely gives an adequate idea of the interior magnificence.

in a sumptuous and opulent manner

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But few homes, even in that aristocratic quarter, are more sumptuously furnished.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading Happiness is quite independent of wealth, and what wealth can procure.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Happiness is quite independent of wealth, and what wealth can procure.

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

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

belonging to which person

From this reading Leaving Margaret to recover slowly at the little cottage under her mother’s care, and Helen and her father to the tranquil existence which, though humble, contents them, we pass to a nearer view of Lewis Rand and his uncle, whose last days are imbittered by the artful machinations of his nephew.

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

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet it would be difficult to say how far all this splendor contributes to the happiness of its owner.