used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SURPRISE.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
candlesnounUS /ˈkændəlz/
plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
Dilly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/
plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
elegantadjectiveUS /ˈeləɡənt/
refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
set up or found
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/
be shiny, as if wet
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
Hammond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
where you live at a particular time
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
kerosenenounUS /ˈkerəsiːn/
a flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
lamplightnoun
light from a lamp
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
a female domestic
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
engage in
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
pleasantlyadverbUS /ˈplezəntli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
prettieradjectiveUS /ˈprɪtiər/
comparative of “pretty” — pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
the state of being asleep
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
with low volume
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
not in physical motion
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading A SURPRISE.
sweetlyadverbUS /ˈswiːtli/
in an affectionate or loving manner (“sweet” is sometimes a poetic or informal variant of “sweetly”)
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
trimmingnounUS /ˈtrɪmɪŋ/
the act of adding decoration
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
tuckedadjectiveUS /tʌkt/
having tucked or being tucked
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Mrs. Hammond looked up as her little maid softly entered, and smiled pleasantly.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
waxverbUS /wæks/
cover with wax
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
at the time that
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
a Caucasian
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
in the company of; together with
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
wrappernounUS /ˈræpər/
a loose dressing gown for women
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
produce a literary work
From this reading "They make much prettier shadows on the wall," said Dilly to herself, as she watched them dance in the evening wind, "but I should think a light that would keep still would be better to write by."
the act of creating written works
From this reading WHEN Dilly reached home, she found her little charge safely tucked away for the night and sleeping sweetly, while her mother in pretty white wrapper, with black velvet trimming which made her look prettier, Dilly thought, than any of her elegant dresses, sat writing by the gleam of three wax candles, which she liked much better than kerosene lamplight.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "So you are safely back," she said; "I am always glad when people get home from Table Rock.
