used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
accompanyingadjectiveUS /əˈkʌmpəniɪŋ/
occurring with or following as a consequence
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
brightestadjectiveUS /ˈbraɪtəst/
superlative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
an occurrence of something
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
ceremonialnounUS /ˌserəˈmoʊniəl/
a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
give encouragement to
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
comingsnounUS /ˈkʌmɪŋz/
plural of “coming” — the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
consequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
the act of departing
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
diffusedadjectiveUS /dɪˈfjuːzd/
(of light rays) subjected to scattering by reflection from a rough surface or transmission through a translucent material
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
Drumcarro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
eldersnounUS /ˈeldərz/
plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
endedadjectiveUS /ˈendəd/
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
a social unit living together
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
goingsnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋz/
plural of “going” — the act of departing
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
grown-up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
jamverbUS /dʒæm/
press tightly together or cram
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
engage in
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
Marg'ret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
new-laid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
something you have to do
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
odournounUS /ˈoʊdər/
the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
bring forth or yield
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
productionnounUS /prəˈdʌkʃən/
the act or process of producing something
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
recollectionsnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃənz/
plural of “recollection” — the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
sconesnounUS /skoʊnz/
plural of “scone” — small biscuit (rich with cream and eggs) cut into diamonds or sticks and baked in an oven or (especially originally) on a griddle
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
spirit-bottles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
confined on all sides
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These occasions were consequently not surrounded by the brightest recollections to the grown-up portion of the family, or to their mother.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
traynounUS /treɪ/
an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading The house was full of an unusual odour of good cheer, unusual goings and comings through the house betrayed the excitement and sense of a great event approaching which was diffused through the family.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was “a grand supper,” as Marg’ret had announced, at Drumcarro this evening, for which, though it was almost entirely a family party, solemn preparations were being made.
in the company of; together with
From this reading On ordinary occasions the family dinner took place between two and three o’clock in the afternoon, followed by tea at seven with much wealth of scones and jam, new-laid eggs and other home produce--and the day ended for the elders by the production of “the tray” with its case of spirit-bottles and accompanying hot water.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Now and then by times, however, this great ceremonial of a supper took place, always on the eve of the departure of one of the boys to make their fortune in the world.
