Chapter XVI

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

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

anew

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

(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 Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

make calm or still

From this reading It was calm.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

a woman's sleeveless undergarment

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

drawn off in the form of vapor

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

in a fixed manner

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

ride at a galloping pace

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

the act of departing

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

bottle made from the dried shell of a bottle gourd

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

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

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

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

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was calm.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

engage in

From this reading Then he went outside to make sure of the tranquillity of the street.

a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

occupying a socioeconomic position intermediate between those of the lower classes and the wealthy

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

not any; not one

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

according to the clock

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

on one occasion

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Then he went outside to make sure of the tranquillity of the street.

prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

cut with a saw

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

plural of “scandal” — disgraceful gossip about the private lives of other people

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

past form of “sniff” — perceive by inhaling through the nose

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Then he went outside to make sure of the tranquillity of the street.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Then he went outside to make sure of the tranquillity of the street.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

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

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then he went outside to make sure of the tranquillity of the street.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

in the direction of

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

a just detectable amount

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

an untroubled state; free from disturbances

From this reading Then he went outside to make sure of the tranquillity of the street.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading It was calm.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

at the time that

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

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

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

which person or people

From this reading Monsieur Gourd alone, when he went up-stairs toward seven o’clock to give his look round, sniffed at the walls; but what did not concern him, did not concern him; and as, on going down-stairs again, he saw two of the servants in the courtyard, Lisa and Julie, who were no doubt discussing the catastrophe, for they seemed deeply interested, he stared at them so fixedly that they at once separated.

a carpet woven on a Jacquard loom with loops like a Brussels carpet but having the loops cut to form a close velvety pile

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That morning the house awoke with a great middle-class dignity.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Nothing of the staircase preserved a trace of the scandals of the night, neither the imitation marble which had reflected that gallop of a woman in her chemise, nor the Wilton carpet from which all the odor of her semi-nudity had evaporated.