used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
accordancenounUS /əˈkɔːrdəns/
concurrence of opinion
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
aspirantsnounUS /ˈæspərənts/
plural of “aspirant” — an ambitious and aspiring young person
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
Beaumesnil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
candournoun
the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
childishadjectiveUS /ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/
indicating a lack of maturity
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
a timepiece that shows the time of day
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
consequencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/
plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
contrastedverbUS /kənˈtræstəd/
past form of “contrast” — put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
without deviation
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
being one more than ten
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
Ernestine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
flitted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
Gerald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
girlishadjectiveUS /ˈɡɜːrlɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young girl
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
heiressnounUS /ˈerəs/
a female heir
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
Herminie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
indirectlyadverbUS /ˌɪndərˈektliː/
not in a forthright manner
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
ingenuousnessnoun
the quality of innocent naivete
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
and nothing more
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
Mlle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
mournfuladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrnfəl/
expressing sorrow
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
not one, and not any
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
being perceived or observed
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
presentationsnounUS /ˌprezənˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “presentation” — the activity of formally presenting something (as a prize or reward)
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading THE PRIVATE STAIRWAY.
on the contrary
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
resoluteadjectiveUS /ˈrezəluːt/
firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
richestadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtʃəst/
superlative of “rich” — possessing material wealth
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
Rochaigues
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
sarcasticadjectiveUS /sɑːrˈkæstɪk/
expressing or expressive of ridicule that wounds
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
STAIRWAYnounUS /ˈsterweɪ/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading THE PRIVATE STAIRWAY.
in a strange manner
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
sweetnessnounUS /ˈswiːtnəs/
the taste experience when sugar dissolves in the mouth
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PRIVATE STAIRWAY.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The clock had just struck eleven, and Mlle. de Beaumesnil was sitting alone in her chamber, deeply absorbed in thought.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Her girlish face had lost none of its sweetness and candour, though a rather sarcastic, and sometimes almost mournful, smile occasionally flitted across her lips, and one sometimes noticed a resolute expression, which contrasted strangely with the almost childish ingenuousness of her features.
belonging to which person
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading A month had passed since these different presentations, and since the first interview between Gerald and Herminie, an interview whose consequences will become apparent later on.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In spite of the deep and novel impression made upon Gerald by his interview with Herminie, he had met Ernestine de Beaumesnil; for, in accordance with the plans of the Rochaigues, the richest heiress in France had directly or indirectly made the acquaintance of the three aspirants for her hand.
