Chapter VII · A Dinner at the Rectory

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

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

put in effect

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

deserving of the highest esteem or admiration

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

have an effect upon

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

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

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

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

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

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

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

plural of “bachelor” — a man who has never been married

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

branched candlestick; ornamental; has several lights

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

plural of “cook” — someone who cooks food

From this reading Where these people get their cooks, I never could make out!

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

From this reading Where these people get their cooks, I never could make out!

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

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

plural of “dinner” — the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

a branch of knowledge

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

the power to use something or someone

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

divisible by two

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

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

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

a man employed as a servant in a large establishment (as a palace) to run errands and do chores

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Where these people get their cooks, I never could make out!

the act of giving

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

coins made of gold

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

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

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

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

From this reading Where these people get their cooks, I never could make out!

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

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

plural of “income” — the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

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

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

engage in

From this reading Where these people get their cooks, I never could make out!

the force of workers available

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

being roughly between 45 and 65 years old

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

preside over

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

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

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

absolutely essential

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

not any; not one

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

making no sound

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

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

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Where these people get their cooks, I never could make out!

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Where these people get their cooks, I never could make out!

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

a useful or valuable quality

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

characterized by extravagance and profusion

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

plural of “prerogative” — a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

not often

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

plural of “regiment” — army unit smaller than a division

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

plural of “requirement” — required activity

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

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

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

plural of “speciality” — an asset of special worth or utility

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

management by overseeing the performance or operation of a person or group

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

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

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Where these people get their cooks, I never could make out!

in or at that place or location

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

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

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

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

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

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

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

(used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

without question

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

under normal conditions

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

in or at the place that

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

which person or people

From this reading These are men who have specialities for giving admirable “little dinners,” and little dinners are unquestionably the _ne plus ultra_ of social enjoyment.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

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

From this reading To accomplish these there are far more requirements necessary than the world usually wots of.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading They are not the triumphs of great houses, with regiments of yellow plush and gold candelabra; they affect no vast dining-rooms, nor a private band.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading They are, on the contrary, the prerogatives of moderate incomes, middle-aged or elderly hosts, usually bachelors, with small houses, furnished in the perfection of comfort, without any display, but where everything, from the careful disposal of a fire-screen to the noiseless gait of the footman, shows you that a certain supervision and discipline prevail, even though you never hear an order and rarely see a servant.