Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

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

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

the quality of being near to the true value

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading The Master and Mistress of Cairncross.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

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

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading The Master and Mistress of Cairncross.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

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

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

having made preparations

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

to a faint degree or weakly perceived

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

coins made of gold

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

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

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

with gusto and without reservation

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

of or relating to the study of history

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

and nothing more

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

shelf that projects from wall above fireplace

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading The Master and Mistress of Cairncross.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

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

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading The Master and Mistress of Cairncross.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Master and Mistress of Cairncross.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

above and across; more than

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

a panel or section of panels in a wall or door

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

third-person singular of “pervade” — spread or diffuse through

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

portray in words

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

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

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading The Master and Mistress of Cairncross.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

informal terms for clothing

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

plural of “twinkle” — a rapid change in brightness; a brief spark or flash

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

third-person singular of “unfold” — develop or come to a promising stage

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

accept gladly

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

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

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.

a Caucasian

From this reading The soft light mellows the shadows creeping over the white and gold panelling of the walls, and twinkles faintly in reflection back from the gilt threads in the heavy curtains; but it cannot dispel the gloom which, like an atmosphere, pervades the chamber.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Dusk is gathering in the great room to the right and rear of the wide hall at Cairncross, and a black servant has just brought in candles, to be placed on the broad marble mantel, and on the oaken table in the centre of the room.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Nor is it essential to set forth in this place the means by which I later came to be familiar with the events now to be described--means which will be apparent enough as the tale unfolds.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading There is the less need to apologize for now essaying to portray sundry scenes of which I was not an actual witness, in that the reader must by this time be heartily disposed to welcome an escape from my wearisome _ego_, at any expense whatsoever of historical accuracy.