used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
accompanyverbUS /əˈkʌmpəni/
be present or associated with an event or entity
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
advantageousadjectiveUS /ˌædvənˈteɪdʒəs/
giving an advantage
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
next to; at the side of
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
propose a payment
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
a state at a particular time
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
the specified day of the month
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
recognizable; marked
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
the act of departing
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
depressedadjectiveUS /dɪˈprest/
lower than previously
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
depressionnounUS /dɪˈpreʃən/
a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
Dumfries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
dweltverbUS /dwelt/
inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
elatedadjectiveUS /ɪˈleɪtəd/
exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
Ellisland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
endedadjectiveUS /ˈendəd/
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
Eppy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
extendingverbUS /ɪkˈstendɪŋ/
-ing form of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
opinion or judgment
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
fitsnounUS /fɪts/
plural of “fit” — a display of bad temper
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
for a limitless time
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
improveverbUS /ˌɪmˈpruːv/
to make better
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
lackedverbUS /lækt/
past form of “lack” — be without
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
engage in
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
necessitateverbUS /nəˈsesəteɪt/
require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
promotionnounUS /prəˈmoʊʃən/
a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
protractedadjectiveUS /proʊˈtræktɪd/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
one of four equal parts
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
seasidenounUS /ˈsiːsaɪd/
the shore of a sea or ocean regarded as a resort
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
sojournnounUS /ˈsoʊdʒərn/
a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
that is looked for
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
carry out
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
tangledadjectiveUS /ˈtæŋɡəld/
in a confused mass
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
unseeingadjective
not consciously observing
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
vainlyadverbUS /ˈveɪnli/
to no avail
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
precisely as stated
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading Jean watched him in growing fear and anxiety as he sank deeper and deeper into those protracted fits of gloom and depression, and vainly sought to find some reason for the sudden change.
at the time that
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The next few days Jean was very busy with her preparations for their sojourn at the seaside.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading He had been so elated at getting his promotion and at the many advantageous changes it would make in their condition—had dwelt with affectionate wonder on Eppy’s kindness in extending to them the invitation to accompany them to Brow, and had seemed to greatly improve in health and spirits for a few days.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The date of their departure was already fixed and it now lacked but a few days before they would bid farewell to Ellisland forever, for Robert had decided to take up his residence in Dumfries when his visit was ended, for the duties of his new office would necessitate his being there the quarter part of his time.
but in spite of that
From this reading As the day of their departure drew near, Robert grew more and more depressed, and day by day he sat in melancholy silence beside the window gazing with unseeing eyes upon the tangled yet graceful wilderness of flowers.
