used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/
past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
barriersnounUS /ˈbæriərz/
plural of “barrier” — a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
of short duration or distance
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
burdensnounUS /ˈbɜːrdənz/
plural of “burden” — an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
choosesverbUS /ˈtʃuːzəz/
third-person singular of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
colorlessadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərləs/
lacking in variety and interest
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
ConfrontedverbUS /kənˈfrʌntəd/
past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
conventionnounUS /kənˈvenʃən/
a large formal assembly
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
embarrassedadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəst/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
divisible by two
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
exposurenounUS /ɪkˈspoʊʒər/
vulnerability to the elements; to the action of heat or cold or wind or rain
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
promote over another
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
favorsnounUS /ˈfeɪvərz/
plural of “favor” — an act of gracious kindness
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
genuinelyadverbUS /ˈdʒenjəwənli/
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
for this reason
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
hypocritenounUS /ˈhɪpəkrɪt/
a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
incomparablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈkɑːmpərəbli/
in an incomparable manner or to an incomparable degree
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
inferioritynounUS /ˌɪnfɪriˈɔːrɪtiː/
the state of being inferior
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
inferiors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
innocuousadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnɑːkjuːəs/
not injurious to physical or mental health
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
knitverbUS /nɪt/
make (textiles) by knitting
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
mirrornounUS /ˈmɪrər/
polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
moralsnounUS /ˈmɔːrəlz/
motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
natured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
naïve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
a brief written record
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
NoyesnounUS /nɔɪz/
English poet (1880-1958)
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
plural of “poem” — a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
politeadjectiveUS /pəˈlaɪt/
showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
pulse-warmers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
putsnounUS /pʊts/
plural of “put” — the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
respectsnounUS /rɪˈspekts/
(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/
in secrecy; not openly
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
sensiblyadverbUS /ˈsensəbli/
with good sense or in a reasonable or intelligent manner
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
be standing; be upright
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
subtleadjectiveUS /ˈsʌtəl/
difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
uncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
precisely as stated
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
violatingverbUS /ˈvaɪəleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “violate” — fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At the very start, indeed, she set up barriers against gratitude, for her decision to ask a favor of me was, in a subtle sense, a judgment of my inferiority.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading One does not ask favors, if it can be avoided, of persons one genuinely respects; one puts such burdens upon the naïve and colorless, upon what are called the good natured; in brief, upon one's inferiors.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Confronted by a choice between this sort of shame and the incomparably less uncomfortable shame of violating a social convention and an article of popular morals, secretly and without danger of exposure, she very sensibly chooses the more innocuous of the two.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If she did any of these things, she would feel herself a hypocrite and hence stand embarrassed before the mirror of her own thoughts.
produce a literary work
From this reading Thus there is not the slightest reason in the world why the fair creature should knit me a pair of pulse-warmers or send me the poems of Noyes, or even write me a polite note.
