Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

showing adoration

From this reading 'I 'm thinking this will settle matters,' she said to her adoring companions.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

having help; often used as a combining form

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

plural of “coal” — fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

a small secluded room

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

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

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

divisible by two

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

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

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

start firing a weapon

From this reading THE FIRE THAT WILL NOT LIGHT.

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

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

superlative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

an opening into or through something

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

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

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

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

From this reading 'I 'm thinking this will settle matters,' she said to her adoring companions.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

a large bottle with a narrow mouth

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

immediately past

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading THE FIRE THAT WILL NOT LIGHT.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

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

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading 'I 'm thinking this will settle matters,' she said to her adoring companions.

humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading 'I 'm thinking this will settle matters,' she said to her adoring companions.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

suggestive of sexual impropriety

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE FIRE THAT WILL NOT LIGHT.

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

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

above and across; more than

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

cause to run

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading 'I 'm thinking this will settle matters,' she said to her adoring companions.

settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground

From this reading 'I 'm thinking this will settle matters,' she said to her adoring companions.

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

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

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

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

in or at or to some place

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE FIRE THAT WILL NOT LIGHT.

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

From this reading THE FIRE THAT WILL NOT LIGHT.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

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

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading 'I 'm thinking this will settle matters,' she said to her adoring companions.

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

From this reading 'I 'm thinking this will settle matters,' she said to her adoring companions.

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

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

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Naughty Hollyhock's last effort before she left the Parlour had been to pour a small jug of water over the fast-expiring coals.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading 'Let them try their hardest now if they like, but we 'll find our own cubby hole and light our fire somewhere else.'

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading THE FIRE THAT WILL NOT LIGHT.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Lady Leucha Villiers and her cousins, the daughters of the Marquis of Killin, assisted by their chosen companions, tried in vain to relight the fire in the Summer Parlour; but, alas! although even the kitchen cat might have understood so simple a job, being at least acquainted with _something_ of the system, it was quite outside the powers of these ladies of high degree.