Chapter III

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

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

(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 Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

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

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

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

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

make a concoction (of) by mixing

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

plural of “countryman” — a man from your own country

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Yet it is a curious truth.

amazingly impressive; suggestive of the flashing of lightning

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

dearly loved

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

the habitation of wild animals

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

worth having or seeking or achieving

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

plural of “diversion” — an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

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

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

at any time

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

have an existence, be extant

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

extremely

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

a boy or man

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

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

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

conducive to good health of body or mind

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

exemption from punishment or loss

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading Yet it is a curious truth.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Yet it is a curious truth.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

plural of “multitude” — a large indefinite number

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

a port city in southeastern Wales

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

information about recent and important events

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

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

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

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

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

and nothing more

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

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

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

a hotel located in a resort area

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

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

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

express through a scornful smile

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

express a supposition

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

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

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

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

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

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

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading Yet it is a curious truth.

not welcome; not giving pleasure or received with pleasure

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

moral weakness

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Well, all this I have done and seen for a month now, and, as I said, I have greatly enjoyed myself.

in or at the place that

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading The great American people (dear, old, great, American people!) like to think of this extraordinarily healthful and beautiful spot as being, at the worst, a kind of dazzling den of vice, and, at the best, a resort where semi-idiotic families possessing great wealth may, with impunity, concoct grotesque and vulgar--and ever more vulgar--diversions for all the rest of our completely moral, intellectual, high-minded and desirable population to sneer at.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading To multitudes of our fellow countrymen this would be not only unwelcome, but incredible news.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet it is a curious truth.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I suppose you know, of course, that Newport, Rhode Island, does not, in the least, resemble the Newport that the American people read about in newspapers--that the Newport of the newspapers does not, in fact, exist.