Chapter V

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

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

later than; following

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

(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 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

being of striking appropriateness and pertinence

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

a nation occupying the whole of the Australian continent; Aboriginal tribes are thought to have migrated from southeastern Asia 20,000 years ago; first Europeans were British convicts sent there as a penal colony

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

being in a state of proper equilibrium

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

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

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

past form of “beam” — smile radiantly; express joy through one's facial expression

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

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

From this reading His aunt came to his rescue.

a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

in mental comfort; without stress

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

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

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

dearly loved

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

lose validity

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

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

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

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

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

destroyed or killed

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

in a joyous manner

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

any of several mostly spotted fishes that resemble groupers

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

be the source of pain

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

past form of “kiss” — touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

immediately past

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

staying power

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

a mistake resulting from neglect

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

and nothing more

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

show unwillingness towards

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

free from harm or evil

From this reading His aunt came to his rescue.

-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

Identical; not different.

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

in or at or to some place

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

past form of “stagger” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

past form of “survive” — continue to live and avoid dying

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

used as intensifiers

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

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

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

a source of difficulty

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

up to a particular time

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

loosening the ties that fasten something

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

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

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

precisely as stated

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Happily for him, however, they did not appear to expect it, and he balanced a chair on its hind legs and, resting one knee upon it, waited for them to begin a conversation, for he could not think of a single apposite remark himself.

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

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

at the time that

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

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

From this reading She seemed so hurt by the omission, that Flushington dared not refuse; he staggered up and kissed her somewhere upon her face--after which he did not know which way to look, so terribly afraid was he that the same ceremony might have to be gone through with all the cousins, and he could _not_ have survived that.

during the time that

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Meanwhile his aunt had spread herself comfortably out in his only arm-chair, and was untying her bonnet-strings, while she beamed at him until he was ready to expire with embarrassment.

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

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading 'I _do_ think, Frankie dear,' she observed at last, 'that when an old auntie all the way from Australia takes the trouble to come and see you like this, the least--the very _least_ you could do would be to give her one little kiss.'