Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing wholly or in part

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

opinion or judgment

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

promote over another

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

let have

From this reading Will you grant it?"

disabled in the feet or legs

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

the quality of being humane

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

ten 10s

From this reading "A hundred!"

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

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

a substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Will you grant it?"

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

street names for gamma hydroxybutyrate

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

of or relating to or designating narcotics

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

and nothing more

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

a light shade of red

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Ned!" he said, looking back for Blake, "I need a favor.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

a package of several things tied together for carrying or storing

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

get rid of

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

not in physical motion

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

past form of “string” — thread on or as if on a string

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

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

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

in or at the place that

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

a Caucasian

From this reading Max passed down the long, low room, blind to the white light, blind to the flowers and faces, deaf to the voices and laughter and swaying sound of stringed instruments.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Will you grant it?"

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

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading One glance he permitted himself--one only--at the table where the man and woman still looked into each other's eyes and where the sheaf of pink roses still shed its incense: then he passed down the steep, short stairs, halting at the door of the _café_, hesitating between two atmospheres--outside, the sharp street lights, the cold, wind-swept pavement--within, the hot air, the close sense of humanity, powerful as a narcotic.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Will you grant it?"