Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

(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 When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

Having no one else present.

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading An Arresting Voice.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

commanding attention

From this reading An Arresting Voice.

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

for the reason that

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

make calm or still

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

past form of “conspire” — engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

wood of any of various cypress trees especially of the genus Cupressus

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

immerse briefly into a liquid so as to wet, coat, or saturate

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land; larger than a bay

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

not any; not one

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

on one occasion

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

edge of a way or road or path

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

a state of social isolation

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

(poetic) tranquil silence

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

carry out

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

Yugoslav statesman who led the resistance to German occupation during World War II and established a communist state after the war (1892-1980)

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

in the direction of

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading An Arresting Voice.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

at the time that

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

during the time that

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

which person or people

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

an increase in width

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”