Chapter VI · Poor Mr. Janney!

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

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

any specific behavior

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

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

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

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

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

plural of “bloodhound” — a breed of large powerful hound of European origin having very acute smell and used in tracking

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

ruined by overcooking

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

make calm or still

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

with unflagging resolve

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

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

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

marked by breaks or gaps

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

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

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

past form of “enact” — order by virtue of superior authority; decree

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

highly or nervously excited

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

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

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

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

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

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

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

a social unit living together

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

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

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

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

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

plural of “interview” — the questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited); often conducted by journalists

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

a sudden violent entrance; a bursting in

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

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

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

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

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

the force of workers available

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

plural of “minion” — a servile or fawning dependant

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

A terrifying or distressing dream.

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

plural of “novel” — an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

a constantly changing medley of real or imagined images (as in a dream)

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

a state of peace and quiet

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

plural of “reporter” — a person who investigates and reports or edits news stories

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

A distinctive smell or aroma.

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

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

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

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

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

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

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

pass through the tissue or substance or its pores or interstices, as of gas

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

lacking in reality or substance or genuineness; not corresponding to acknowledged facts or criteria

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

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

From this reading It was unreal, like a nightmare, a phantasmagoria of interviews with terrified servants, trampings up and down stairs, strange men all over the place, reporters on the steps, the telephone bell and the front door bell ringing ceaselessly.

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

From this reading The peace and aristocratic calm of the Janney household was disrupted.

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

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

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

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.

a Caucasian

From this reading Into its dignified quietude burnt an irruption of alien activity and the great white light of publicity.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Kissam with his minions came that evening and reporters followed like bloodhounds on the scent.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading Scenes were enacted similar to those Mr. Janney had read in novels and witnessed at the theater, but which, in his most fevered imaginings, he had never thought could transpire in his own home.