a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
regarded with admiration
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
anew
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
(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 It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
attendancenounUS /əˈtendəns/
the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
banquetnounUS /ˈbæŋkwət/
a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
inflected form of “beg” — call upon in supplication; entreat
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
bishop'snounUS /ˈbɪʃəps/
possessive form of “bishop” — a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
lacking funds
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
CARGRIM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
departverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrt/
move away from a place into another direction
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
disordernounUS /dɪˈsɔːrdər/
a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
dispiritedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspɪrətɪd/
marked by low spirits; showing no enthusiasm
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
DuncannounUS /ˈdʌŋkən/
United States dancer and pioneer of modern dance (1878-1927)
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
emptiedverbUS /ˈemptid/
inflected form of “empty” — make void or empty of contents
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
divisible by two
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
widely known and esteemed
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
GrahamnounUS /ˈɡreɪəm/
United States evangelical preacher famous as a mass evangelist (born in 1918)
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
illnessnounUS /ˈɪlnəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
a single distinct event
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
indispositionnoun
a slight illness
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
immediately past
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern Ethiopia in 1974
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
MacbethnounUS /məkˈbeθ/
king of Scotland (died in 1057)
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
magnifiedadjectiveUS /ˈmæɡnəfaɪd/
enlarged to an abnormal degree
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
used to form the superlative
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
a form of address for a man
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
not any; not one
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
and nothing more
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
Pendle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
Pendle's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
recurring again and again
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
rumournounUS /ˈruːmər/
gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
except for; apart from
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
cut with a saw
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
term of address for a man
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
unawaresadverbUS /ˌʌnəˈwerz/
without forethought or plan; inadvertently
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
unpleasantadjectiveUS /ənˈplezənt/
offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
being of use or service
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading 'He was quite well when I saw him last,' repeated poor Mrs Pendle over and over again.
at the time that
From this reading THE CURIOSITY OF MR CARGRIM Like that famous banquet, when Macbeth entertained unawares the ghost of gracious Duncan, the bishop's reception broke up in the most admired disorder.
which person or people
From this reading Dr Graham in attendance on the bishop was the only stranger who remained, for Lucy sent away even Sir Harry, although he begged hard to stay in the hope of making himself useful.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading And the most unpleasant part of the whole incident was, that no one seemed to know the reason of Bishop Pendle's unexpected indisposition.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading It was not Dr Pendle's wish that the entertainment should be cut short on his account, but the rumour--magnified greatly--of his sudden illness so dispirited his guests that they made haste to depart; and within an hour the palace was emptied of all save its usual inhabitants.
