Chapter XXXI · Chapter 31

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

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

having companions or an escort

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

later than; following

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

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

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

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

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

for the most part

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

have a conference in order to talk something over

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

get or ask advice from

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

remaining in force or being carried on without letup

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

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

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

spoiled or ruined or demolished

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

one or the other of two

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

past form of “encounter” — come together

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

at any time

From this reading Neither his lordship nor his niece ever saw him.

apart from; not including

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

an established custom

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

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

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

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

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

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

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

go away from a place

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

the literary culture

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

a title used to address any British peer except a duke and extended to a bishop or a judge

From this reading Neither his lordship nor his niece ever saw him.

a midday meal

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

engage in

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

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

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Neither his lordship nor his niece ever saw him.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

the Babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of Ea

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

not any; not one

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading Neither his lordship nor his niece ever saw him.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

on the contrary

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

make one's home in a particular place or community

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

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

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

cut with a saw

From this reading Neither his lordship nor his niece ever saw him.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

a meeting for execution of a group's functions

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

in or at or to some place

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

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

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

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

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

plural of “version” — an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

English writer and historian; son of Sir Robert Walpole (1717-1797)

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

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

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading They knew he had a room or two somewhere, a servant was occasionally encountered on the way to him with a breakfast-tray and an urn; his letters were seen on the hall-table; but, except these, he gave no signs of life--never appeared at luncheon or at dinner--and as much dropped out of all memory or interest as though he had ceased to be.

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

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.

which person or people

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading He was accompanied by his niece, Lady Maude, and by Walpole, the latter continuing to reside under his roof, rather from old habit than from any strong wish on either side.

in the company of; together with

From this reading IN TOWN Lord Danesbury had arrived at Bruton Street to confer with certain members of the Cabinet who remained in town after the session, chiefly to consult with him.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Walpole had obtained a short extension of his leave, and employed the time in endeavouring to make up his mind about a certain letter to Nina Kostalergi, which he had written nearly fifty times in different versions and destroyed.