aboundsverbUS /əˈbaʊndz/
third-person singular of “abound” — be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
absorbingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
ascertainingverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “ascertain” — establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
bendingnounUS /ˈbendɪŋ/
movement that causes the formation of a curve
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the Merles took no part in the discussion.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
chatterers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
cocoanutsnounUS /ˈkoʊkoʊnʌts/
plural of “cocoanut” — large hard-shelled oval nut with a fibrous husk containing thick white meat surrounding a central cavity filled (when fresh) with fluid or milk
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
crystalnounUS /ˈkrɪstəl/
a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
cause to be slowed down or delayed
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
desolationnounUS /ˌdesəˈleɪʃən/
the state of being decayed or destroyed
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading But the Merles took no part in the discussion.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
eccentricadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsentrɪk/
conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
in a grave and sober manner
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
Harriet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
Horatio's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
Ipping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
locatingnounUS /ˈloʊkeɪtɪŋ/
the act of putting something in a certain place
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
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 THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
mangonounUS /ˈmæŋɡoʊ/
large evergreen tropical tree cultivated for its large oval fruit
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
Merles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the Merles took no part in the discussion.
ministrationsnounUS /ˌmɪnəˈstreɪʃənz/
plural of “ministration” — assistance in time of difficulty
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
a particular point in time
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
not any; not one
From this reading But the Merles took no part in the discussion.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
obtainingverbUS /əbˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
outsetnounUS /ˈaʊtset/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
parsonnounUS /ˈpɑːrsən/
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading But the Merles took no part in the discussion.
picnickian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
platternounUS /ˈplætər/
a large shallow dish used for serving food
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
with speed
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
with low volume
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
ReverendnounUS /ˈrevərənd/
a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
ripeadjectiveUS /raɪp/
fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
shipwrecked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
solenounUS /soʊl/
the underside of footwear or a golf club
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
the season of growth
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading But the Merles took no part in the discussion.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
usagenounUS /ˈjuːsədʒ/
the act of using
From this reading THE SERVANT IN THE HOUSE Long established usage on desert islands has ordered that the first duty of the shipwrecked, after locating the crystal spring and ascertaining that the cocoanuts are ripe and the mango (or bread fruit tree) abounds, is to signal for help.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading Harriet watched him now as he moved quietly to and fro, carrying the large silver platter, bending gravely as he held it in turn for each of the chatterers at the table.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
whimnounUS /wɪm/
a sudden desire
From this reading From the outset the Reverend Horatio's domestic ministrations had been accepted, in the picnickian spirit of the occasion, as the whim of an eccentric parson and quickly forgotten by all but Harriet in the absorbing topic of the moment.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Accordingly, at this first meal after the desolation of Ipping House the sole topic of conversation concerned ways and means of obtaining new servants without delay.
