Chapter III

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

a short moral story (often with animal characters)

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

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

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

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

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

absence of light or illumination

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

give a description of

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

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

From this reading "I don't _think_ so," said Minnie wondering; "but is it dreadful, Agnes?"

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

brought together in one place

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

usually; as a rule

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I don't _think_ so," said Minnie wondering; "but is it dreadful, Agnes?"

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "You will see," answered Agnes.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "I don't _think_ so," said Minnie wondering; "but is it dreadful, Agnes?"

a thing, without saying which

From this reading "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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 _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

express in words

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "I don't _think_ so," said Minnie wondering; "but is it dreadful, Agnes?"

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

precisely as stated

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page----" "Well?" said John.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

at the time that

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

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

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "You will see," answered Agnes.

showing curiosity

From this reading "I don't _think_ so," said Minnie wondering; "but is it dreadful, Agnes?"

expressed without speech

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading _THE DARK CAVERN: AN ALLEGORY._ "You promised to tell us a story of the 'Wordless pages,' Agnes," said Minnie on Sunday afternoon, when the children had left their parents to a few moments' quiet, and were gathered in the drawing-room to spend the hour in which Agnes generally read to them.