used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
announcementnounUS /əˈnaʊnsmənt/
a formal public statement
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
Antonio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
appearingnounUS /əˈpɪrɪŋ/
formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
completely unclothed
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
buggynounUS /ˈbʌɡi/
a small lightweight carriage; drawn by a single horse
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
countedverbUS /ˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
a female human offspring
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
recognizable; marked
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
cause to be slowed down or delayed
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
deliberateadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪbərət/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
DonanounUS /ˈdoʊnə/
a Spanish courtesy title or form of address for a woman
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
in a serious manner
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
take in solid food
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
explainingverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
frocknounUS /frɑːk/
a long, loose outer garment
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
GabrielnounUS /ˈɡeɪbriəl/
(Bible) the archangel who was the messenger of God
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/
be shiny, as if wet
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
coins made of gold
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
only a very short time before
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
hitchedverbUS /hɪtʃt/
past form of “hitch” — to hook or entangle
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
Mariposilla
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
Marjorie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
patternounUS /ˈpætər/
plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
ponynounUS /ˈpoʊniː/
a range horse of the western United States
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading The Dona Maria had prepared an early breakfast, but Mariposilla could eat nothing in her excitement.
pursenounUS /pɜːrs/
a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
ready-madeadjective
made for purchase and immediate use
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
requestedadjectiveUS /rɪˈkwestɪd/
asked for
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
Identical; not different.
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
San
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
Sanderson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
scoldedverbUS /ˈskoʊldɪd/
past form of “scold” — censure severely or angrily
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
selectadjectiveUS /səˈlekt/
of superior grade
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
soundlyadverbUS /ˈsaʊndli/
deeply or completely
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
carry out
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading I was so astonished at the announcement that I could hardly conceal my surprise; but the Dona Maria not appearing to notice it, I replied that I would be happy to serve her; at the same time, I decided to take Marjorie and go myself to the hotel.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading As we parted from the Dona Maria, she requested me to select a ready-made frock for Mariposilla, explaining that her daughter had been invited to spend a week at the East San Gabriel Hotel with Mrs. Sanderson.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
in the company of; together with
From this reading True to the arrangement, I heard the little bare feet patter across the hall to my door with the first gleam of the bright December morning.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The gold pieces were carefully counted into the little purse, and the deliberate Antonio was soundly scolded for his delay in bringing around the pony hitched to the old buggy, which I earnestly hoped would not fall to pieces short of the station.
