Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

anew

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

-ing form of “announce” — make known; make an announcement

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

react verbally

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

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

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

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

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

deem to be

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

convert food into absorbable substances

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

set up or found

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

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

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

a social unit living together

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

a payment of part of a debt; usually paid at regular intervals

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

and nothing more

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

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

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

in an uncontrolled manner

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

and nothing more

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

like better; value more highly

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

music for dancing the quadrille

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

try to get or reach

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

express in words

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

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

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

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

From this reading The love affair of Colonel McVeigh was not the only one under consideration that evening.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "You must tell me, first, what relationship you seek to establish," she demanded, as he came up for his answer.

at the time that

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

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

From this reading Delaven was following up the advice of the Judge and Madame Caron to the extent of announcing to Mistress McVeigh during a pause in the dance that his heart was heavy, though his feet were light, and that she held his fate in her hands, for he was madly in love, which statement she had time to consider and digest before the quadrille again allowed them to come close enough for conversation, when she asked the meaning of his mystery.

past form of “whisk” — move somewhere quickly

From this reading She smiled at the excentric question, but as the dance whisked him off just then she waited for the next installment of his confidence.

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

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "First, let me know, Mrs. McVeigh, which you would prefer if you had a choice--to have me for your family physician, or a physician in your family?"