Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

(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 She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

passing reference or indirect mention

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

a workplace where baked goods (breads and cakes and pastries) are produced or sold

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.

plural of “cloth” — artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.

-ing form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

a female human offspring

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

manner of acting or controlling yourself

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

-ing form of “elevate” — give a promotion to or assign to a higher position

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

past form of “embroider” — decorate with needlework

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.

the act of departing

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

located inward

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

having words so spaced that lines have straight even margins

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

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

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

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

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

above and across; more than

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

a local church community

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

possessing material wealth

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

plural of “screen” — a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

plural of “shank” — a cut of meat (beef or veal or mutton or lamb) from the upper part of the leg

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

the husband of your daughter

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

a special situation

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

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

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

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

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

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

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading She had known it all her life, for one thing, and understood every allusion, and had almost what might be called an interest in all the doings of the parish.

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

From this reading Perhaps the village society into which Katherine was now thrown was not much more elevating than the Turnys, &c.; but it was different.

during the time that

From this reading The fact that the old Cantrells had grown so rich that they now felt justified in confessing it, and were going to retire from the bakery and set up as private gentlefolks while their daughter and son-in-law entered into possession of the business, quite entertained her for half an hour while it was being discussed by Miss Mildmay and Mrs. Shanks over their tea.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Katherine had constructed for herself in the big and crowded drawing-room, by means of screens, a corner in which there was both a fireplace and a window, and which looked like an inner room, now that she had taken possession of it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She had covered the gilded furniture with chintzes, and the shining tables with embroidered cloths.