used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
annoyedadjectiveUS /əˈnɔɪd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
antagonismnounUS /ænˈtæɡənɪzəm/
a state of deep-seated ill-will
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
eagerly desirous
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
Ashley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
breatheverbUS /briːð/
draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
ByronnounUS /ˈbaɪrən/
English romantic poet notorious for his rebellious and unconventional lifestyle (1788-1824)
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
intentionally conceived
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
discordantadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɔːrdənt/
not in agreement or harmony
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
move gently or carefully
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
elementsnounUS /ˈeləmənts/
violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
a social unit living together
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
brought together in one place
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
harmonizeverbUS /ˈhɑːrmənaɪz/
go together
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
immediately past
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
perplexitynounUS /pərˈpleksəti/
trouble or confusion resulting from complexity
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
re-union
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
reparteenounUS /ˌrepərˈtiː/
adroitness and cleverness in reply
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
determined
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/
in secrecy; not openly
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
self-possessedadjective
in full control of your faculties
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
smilesnounUS /smaɪlz/
plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Colonel Ashley was secretly annoyed, to find the re-union around the breakfast table not quite so cheerful as might have been expected.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
in the near future
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
SutherlandnounUS /ˈsʌðərlənd/
Australian operatic soprano (born in 1926)
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
tacitadjectiveUS /ˈtæsɪt/
implied by or inferred from actions or statements
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
There's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
vexedadjectiveUS /vekst/
troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
Vivian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Vivian was vexed at the general tacit antagonism, and resolved, if this should last, to bring her visit to a close as soon as possible.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
in or at the place that
From this reading “But here upon this earth below, There’s not a spot where thou and I Together for an hour could breathe.”—_Byron._ It was impossible that the discordant elements of social life assembled at Ashley Hall could harmonize for an instant.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Nevertheless, she kept up an irregular fire of wit and repartee, to prevent the party falling into dead silence.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Of the family party gathered around the breakfast table, the pale, beautiful India assumed a mask of smiles—Mr. Ashley wore a look of anxious perplexity he did not care to hide—Mark Sutherland appeared self-possessed, but was too conscious to feel really at ease.
