Chapter III

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

anew

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

Having no one else present.

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

a feeling of craving something

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

for the reason that

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

cause to be bored

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

a decorative pin worn by women

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

past form of “command” — be in command of

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

the coloring of a person's face

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

French philosopher remembered as the founder of positivism; he also established sociology as a systematic field of study

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

the act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely)

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

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

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

the act of consuming food

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

being or from or characteristic of another place or part of the world

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

opinion or judgment

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

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

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

small golden or orange-red freshwater fishes of Eurasia used as pond or aquarium fishes

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

a male grandchild

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

possessive form of “grandson” — a male grandchild

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

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

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

of great significance or value

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

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

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

staying power

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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 His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

a form of address for a man

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

not any; not one

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

denoting or characteristic of countries of the Far East

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

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

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

soft food made by boiling oatmeal or other meal or legumes in water or milk until thick

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

sharply exact or accurate or delimited

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

for the most part

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

the acquisition of something for payment

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

Identical; not different.

From this reading And Mr. Elphinstone did the same, glancing across now and again with his kind blue eyes to observe his grandson's progress.

confidently optimistic and cheerful

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

except for; apart from

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

the dialect of English used in Scotland

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

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

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

plural of “sky” — the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

plural of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

the one or ones belonging to them

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.

in an inappropriate manner

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

precisely as stated

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

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

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

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

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

in or at the place that

From this reading PURCHASE OF A GOLDFISH, AND OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS (1) Four days later Mr. Elphinstone and his grandson were breakfasting alone in the room where Anne-Hilarion had remained, so unsuitably attired, to hear matters not primarily intended for the ears of little boys.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And now the Comte de Flavigny was seated again at that very table, his legs dangling, eating his porridge, not with any great appetite, but because it was commanded him.

skill in an occupation or trade

From this reading His very precise British attire bore no traces of his long sojourn in the East, save that the brooch in the lace at his throat was of Oriental workmanship, and that the pigeon's-blood ruby on his finger had an exotic look--and an equally exotic history.

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

From this reading The suns of India, where so much of his life had been passed, had done little more than fade his apple cheeks to a complexion somewhat less sanguine than would have been theirs under Scottish skies.