Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

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

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

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

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

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

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

in a beautiful manner

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

touched lightly in passing; grazed against

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

plural of “caller” — a social or business visitor

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

rid of obstructions

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

(of hair) made tidy with a comb

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

gathered together or made less diffuse

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

include or contain; have as a component

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

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

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

something that is emitted or radiated (as a gas or an odor or a light, etc.)

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

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

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

resembling or suggesting a feather or feathers

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

many times at short intervals

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

plural of “gathering” — a group of persons together in one place

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

involving or characterized by harmony

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

past form of “heighten” — become more extreme

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

set down according to a plan

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

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

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

unhurried and relaxed

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

stone post at side of a road to show distances

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

and nothing more

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

fitted or decorated with panels or wainscoting

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

a native or inhabitant of Iran

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

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

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

gallery where works of art can be displayed

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

Identical; not different.

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

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

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

to a severe or serious degree

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

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

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading And it was not only in externals that these carefully brushed and combed people harmonized with the mellow beauty of their background.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

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

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading They sat, or stood, moved about, took their tea, and talked with an extraordinary perfection of manner.

in an unobtrusive manner

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

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 "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

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

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

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

From this reading "A MILESTONE PASSED, THE ROAD SEEMS CLEAR" As the "season" heightened, the beautiful paneled walls of Mrs. Marshall-Smith's salon were frequently the background for chance gatherings of extremely appropriate callers.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading They seemed a visible emanation of the room, so entirely did they represent what that sort of a room was meant to contain.

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

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They were not only beautifully but severely dressed, with few ornaments, and those few a result of the same concentrated search for the rare which had brought together the few bibelots in the room, which had laid the single great dull Persian rug on the unobtrusively polished oaken floor, which had set in the high, south windows the boxes of feathery green plants with delicate star-like flowers.