used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
accumulateverbUS /əˈkjuːmjəleɪt/
get or gather together
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
(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 Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
Bargrave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
cherishverbUS /ˈtʃerɪʃ/
be fond of; be attached to
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
conveyedverbUS /kənˈveɪd/
past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
give a description of
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
dirtnounUS /dɜːrt/
the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
Dorothea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
Dorothea's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
being one more than ten
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
endeavoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
epithetnounUS /ˈepəθet/
a defamatory or abusive word or phrase
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
exteriornounUS /ɪkˈstɪriər/
the region that is outside of something
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
eyelidsnounUS /ˈaɪlɪdz/
plural of “eyelid” — either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
destroyed or killed
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
grimyadjectiveUS /ˈɡraɪmi/
thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
handmaidennoun
in a subordinate position
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
irrigatedverbUS /ˈɪrəɡeɪtɪd/
past form of “irrigate” — supply with water, as with channels or ditches or streams
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
moodynounUS /ˈmuːdi/
United States tennis player who dominated women's tennis in the 1920s and 1930s (1905-1998)
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
normaladjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrməl/
conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
noxiousadjectiveUS /ˈnɑːkʃəs/
injurious to physical or mental health
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
something you have to do
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
REVERSIONARYadjective
of or relating to or involving a reversion (especially a legal reversion)
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
serenelyadverbUS /sərˈiːnəli/
in a peacefully serene manner
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
get rid of
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
testifiedverbUS /ˈtestəfaɪd/
inflected form of “testify” — give testimony in a court of law
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
in or at that place or location
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
undoubtedlyadverbUS /ənˈdaʊtɪdli/
without doubt; certainly
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
weednounUS /wiːd/
any plant that crowds out cultivated plants
From this reading Hers was at best a dull dreary life, but in it there grew a noxious weed which she was pleased to cherish for a flower.
(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 Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
at the time that
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A REVERSIONARY INTEREST Although Dorothea could assume on occasions so bright an exterior as I have in a previous chapter endeavoured to describe, her normal state was undoubtedly that which is best conveyed by the epithet "grimy."
in the company of; together with
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
witheringadjectiveUS /ˈwɪðərɪŋ/
wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction
From this reading Well, it was withering every day before her eyes, and all the tears she could shed were not enough to keep it alive.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading Old Mr. Bargrave, walking serenely into his office at eleven, and meeting this handmaiden on the stairs, used to wonder how so much dirt could accumulate on the human countenance, when irrigated, as Dorothea's red eyelids too surely testified, by daily tears.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
an affirmative
From this reading Yes, she had gone about her work of late with a heavy heart and a moody brow.
