Chapter II

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

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

anew

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

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

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

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

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

possessive form of “dolly” — conveyance consisting of a wheeled support on which a camera can be mounted

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

(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 It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

opinion or judgment

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

steadfast in affection or allegiance

From this reading ONE FRIEND MOST FAITHFUL.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

firmly closed or secured

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

the light of a fire (especially in a fireplace)

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading ONE FRIEND MOST FAITHFUL.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

having brief brilliant points or flashes of light

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

coins made of gold

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

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

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

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

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

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

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

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

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

termination of a business operation by using its assets to discharge its liabilities

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

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

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

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

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

used to form the superlative

From this reading ONE FRIEND MOST FAITHFUL.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ONE FRIEND MOST FAITHFUL.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

above and across; more than

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

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

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

move stealthily

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

plural of “sovereign” — a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

a quantity of money

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

doomed to extinction

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

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

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

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

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

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

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

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

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

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

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

precisely as stated

From this reading This ought not to have been a long process, for her resources had sunk very low.

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

From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Mortomley in the little house at Clapton sat "counting out her money."

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

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

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

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

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading Nevertheless, as though she fancied they might grow more numerous by handling, she let them slip through her fingers one by one, whilst her eyes were fastened, not on the glittering gold, but on the firelight as it now flashed over the small room and again seemed to die away altogether.

something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation

From this reading Three months had elapsed since her husband's estate went into liquidation, and for those three months, first at Homewood and next at Clapton they had been living on that sum which Rupert's foresight saved from the general wreck, so that the sovereigns lying in Dolly's lap were easily counted.