used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
to or in a foreign country
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
agedadjectiveUS /eɪdʒd/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
alacritynounUS /əˈlækrəti/
liveliness and eagerness
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
alteringnounUS /ˈɔːltərɪŋ/
the sterilization of an animal
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
cheerfulnessnounUS /ˈtʃɪrfəlnəs/
the quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
confuseverbUS /kənˈfjuːz/
mistake one thing for another
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
dinner-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
entré
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
fixingnounUS /ˈfɪksɪŋ/
the act of putting something in working order again
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
gaitnounUS /ɡeɪt/
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
usually; as a rule
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
the act of departing
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
come to pass
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
hastenverbUS /ˈheɪsən/
act or move at high speed
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
infirmadjectiveUS /ɪnˈfɜːrm/
lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
invariableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbəl/
not liable to or capable of change
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
Luyon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
information about recent and important events
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SIGNS OF THE TIME.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
perplexedadjectiveUS /pərˈplekst/
full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
preserveverbUS /prəˈzɜːrv/
keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
Raucourt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading SIGNS OF THE TIME.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
a thing, without saying which
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
speedilyadverbUS /ˈspiːdəli/
with speed
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/
agitating a liquid with an implement
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SIGNS OF THE TIME.
tidingsnounUS /ˈtaɪdɪŋz/
information about recent and important events
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading SIGNS OF THE TIME.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
timidadjectiveUS /ˈtɪmɪd/
showing fear and lack of confidence
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
a source of difficulty
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
varyverbUS /ˈveri/
become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
From this reading Times were now, however, altering so speedily that it was evident that Charles must vary his entré.
precisely as stated
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
at the time that
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
which person or people
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading He always had a smile ready when his timid wife looked anxiously in his face, and generally some tidings which were not bad, when her aged father, M. Raucourt, asked his invariable question,—“What news, Charles?”
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 His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading Charles Luyon was wont to hasten home at dinner-time with as much cheerfulness in his countenance as alacrity in his gait.
but in spite of that
From this reading His smile he was likely enough to preserve, happen what might; but in the article of news he began to be perplexed; for whatever was now stirring was of a kind with which it was painful to confuse and trouble a very old man, who never went abroad, but yet managed to know something of what was going on by fixing his seat constantly at the window, and using his eyes, which were less infirm than his understanding.
