Chapter VIII · Miss Aynton's Thumb Is Turned Back

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

not being in a specified place

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

affirming or giving assent

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

later than; following

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

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

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

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

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

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

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

react verbally

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

without care or concern

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

entrusted with private information and the confidence of another

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

characterized by intense emotion

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

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

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

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

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

of great significance or value

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

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

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

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

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading “I suppose so, my Lady: very like.”

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading “'_Very likely_,' Mary!

a female domestic

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

a form of address for a man

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

not any; not one

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

on the contrary

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “I suppose so, my Lady: very like.”

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

express a supposition

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

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

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

the present time or age

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

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

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

the act of using

From this reading He is certain to reply concerning a matter which was important enough to cause the use of the telegraph.”

communicated in words

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

precisely as stated

From this reading “I suppose so, my Lady: very like.”

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

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

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.

which person or people

From this reading Nothing could be more in contrast than the tones in which these two persons had spoken; the question had been earnest, almost fervent, and one which evidently was put in order to evoke an affirmative answer; the reply was given carelessly enough, or rather as though the thoughts of her who uttered it were absent from the matter altogether.

in the company of; together with

From this reading |I SUPPOSE, Mary, that I shall be sure of getting a letter from Mr Arthur today?” observed my Lady to her maid, as that confidential domestic was proceeding with the duties--which were by no means mysteries--of her toilet, upon the morning after the picnic at Belcomb.