Chapter X

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

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

later than; following

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

the position of apprentice

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

to a severe or serious degree

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

coverings that are used on a bed

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

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

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

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

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

plural of “bottle” — a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

a man who has recently been married

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

plural of “bulletin” — a brief report (especially an official statement issued for immediate publication or broadcast)

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

plural of “client” — a person who seeks the advice of a lawyer

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

a female human offspring

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

well in the past; former

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Fargus descended the familiar steps and entered.

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

in a faithful manner

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Fargus descended the familiar steps and entered.

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

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

streaming or flapping or spreading wide as if in a current of air

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

plural of “gent” — informal abbreviation of “gentleman”

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

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

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

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

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

having no employment

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

rebuffed (by a lover) without warning

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

-ing form of “maintain” — cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

possessive form of “morning” — the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

a form of address for a man

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

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

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

according to the clock

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

United States writer (1905-1970)

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

held or filled or in use

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

above and across; more than

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

plural of “parlor” — reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

a hotel located in a resort area

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

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

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

damaged by decay; hence unsound and useless

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

past form of “sand” — rub with sandpaper

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

having a sunken area

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

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

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber

From this reading After replacing the bedding in the trunk he departed for his morning's breakfast.

under the level of the ground

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

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

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

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

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

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

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

which person or people

From this reading BOFINGER REPORTS Fargus, who slept as badly as a bridegroom on the wedding eve, was up before five o'clock.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was in this underground resort, with its rough clients, that Fargus had served his apprenticeship, faithfully his master and his master's daughter, pretty Nell O'Hara, who had jilted him for the privilege of maintaining the present Mr. Biggs in idleness among his bottles.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Three blocks to the west near the river front, in a frame building which occupied a corner, a flaring yellow sign, over a sunken basement, announced, NELLIE THE COFFEE-WOMAN _Ladies & Gents Parlors._ Three wooden steps, rotted by the weather, descended past the food bulletins into a sanded room.