Chapter XXV · Chapter 25

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

an abrupt discourteous manner

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

close interaction

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

one or the other of two

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

provide entertainment for

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

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

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

a feeling of righteous anger

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

go away from a place

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

for more time

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

past form of “manifest” — provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

not any; not one

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

-ing form of “notice” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

occurring from time to time

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

on the contrary

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

possessive form of “ruth” — United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

only a very short time before

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

a room in a school where lessons take place

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

fastened with stitches

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

that is looked for

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

the profession of a teacher

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

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

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

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

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

morally excellent

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

someone who visits

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

at the time that

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

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

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

during the time that

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Ruth could not help noticing that Jemima always sought to be in her presence while she was at Mr Bradshaw's house; either when daily teaching Mary and Elizabeth, or when she came as an occasional visitor with Mr and Miss Benson, or by herself.

an established custom

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation So it was that Jemima no longer avoided Ruth, nor manifested by word or look the dislike which for a long time she had been scarce concealing.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

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

From this reading Up to this time Jemima had used no gentle skill to conceal the abruptness with which she would leave the room rather than that Ruth and she should be brought into contact--rather than that it should fall to her lot to entertain Ruth during any part of the evening.

the act of creating written works

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading Now, each morning Miss Bradshaw seated herself at a little round table in the window, at her work, or at her writing; but whether she sewed, or wrote, or read, Ruth felt that she was always watching--watching.

a late time of life

From this reading It was months since Jemima had left off sitting in the schoolroom, as had been her wont during the first few years of Ruth's governess-ship.