Chapter I

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

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

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

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

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

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

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

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

expected hopefully

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

confined by bonds

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

superlative of “busy” — actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

plural of “cart” — a heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

the rapid series of noises made by the parts of a machine

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

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

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

any material that fills a space or container

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

a man of refinement

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

the most powerful members of a society

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

plural of “gig” — long and light rowing boat; especially for racing

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

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

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

general who commanded the Carthaginian army in the second Punic War; crossed the Alps and defeated the Romans but was recalled to defend Carthage and was defeated (247-182 BC)

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

toward home

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

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

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

plural of “huckster” — a seller of shoddy goods

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

plural of “jacket” — a short coat

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

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

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

insulation used to wrap around pipes or boilers or laid in attics to prevent loss of heat

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

the literary culture

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

past form of “linger” — remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

in motion

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

a large indefinite number

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

and nothing more

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

not in physical motion

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

carry out

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading Author of “A Gentleman of France,” “Count Hannibal,” “The Castle Inn,” “The Great House,” etc., etc.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

filled with great numbers crowded together

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

-ing form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

plural of “valley” — a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

plural of “van” — any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.

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

From this reading It was market day at Aldersbury, the old county town of Aldshire, and the busiest hour of the day.

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

From this reading The clock of St. Juliana’s was on the point of striking three, and the streets below it were thronged.

which person or people

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

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

From this reading The gentry, indeed, were beginning to take themselves homeward; a carriage and four, with postillions in yellow jackets, awaited its letters before the Post Office, and near at hand a red-wheeled tandem-cart, the horses tossing their small, keen heads, hung on the movements of its master, who was gossipping on the steps of Ovington’s Bank, on Bride Hill.

but in spite of that

From this reading But only the vans bound to the more distant valleys had yet started on their lagging journey; the farmers’ gigs, the hucksters’ carts, the pack-asses still lingered, filling the streets with a chattering, moving multitude.