Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

(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 "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

in addition

From this reading You also have enjoyed her friendship.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The hours I have spent at her house have been among the brightest of my life.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

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

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

German statesman who as chancellor of West Germany worked to reduce tensions with eastern Europe (1913-1992)

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

superlative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading The hours I have spent at her house have been among the brightest of my life.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

female equivalent of a count or earl

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

dearly loved

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

the act of departing

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading You also have enjoyed her friendship.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading You also have enjoyed her friendship.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The hours I have spent at her house have been among the brightest of my life.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading The hours I have spent at her house have been among the brightest of my life.

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

From this reading The hours I have spent at her house have been among the brightest of my life.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The hours I have spent at her house have been among the brightest of my life.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

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

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

something that is lost

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

the property of relative size or extent (whether large or small)

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

possessive form of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

share in something

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

be specific about

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

by chance

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading "For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

try to get or reach

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

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

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading The hours I have spent at her house have been among the brightest of my life.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading I venture to hope that you also will miss her.

precisely as stated

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

at the time that

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

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

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

which person or people

From this reading "I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be of any possible assistance to her friends.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I venture to hope that you also will miss her.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading So he wrote-- "Dear Miss Brandt,--When I called at Lady Elspeth Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of Assynt.