Chapter II · The Tragedy at White Towers

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

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

past form of “accord” — go together

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

(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 She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

in addition

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

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

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

from appearances alone

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

possessive form of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

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

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

relating to or characteristic of Christianity

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

an open river valley (in a hilly area)

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

the act of making up your mind about something

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

the system of production and distribution and consumption

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

every person

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

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

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

set up or found

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

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

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

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

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

not solid; having a space or gap or cavity

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

a social unit living together

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

hereditary succession to a title or an office or property

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

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

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

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

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

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

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

information about recent and important events

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

out of fashion

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

above and across; more than

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

plural of “price” — the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

on the contrary

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

something (as a course of action) that is recommended as advisable

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

third-person singular of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

inspiring scornful pity

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

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

From this reading She seemed to know and to be known by almost everybody in the Dale, and was an all but exhaustless fountain of anecdote and news.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

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

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

an elderly unmarried woman

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

not in physical motion

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

carry out

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

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

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

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

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

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

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

a source of difficulty

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

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

From this reading I was quite agreeable, since it saved me a lot of trouble, nor have I so far seen any reason to regret that decision.

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

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

at the time that

From this reading WHEN I came down to Stone Hollow to take over my new inheritance, I found the house completely furnished on extremely comfortable if rather old-fashioned lines; and Martha Helter in possession.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Helter—the title had apparently been accorded her by courtesy, since she was still a spinster and everybody but myself used it; but I began with Martha, her Christian name, and Martha it is to this day—is a most capable manager and runs my household with a precision that reminds one of well-oiled wheels, and a careful economy that has its recommendation in these days of ridiculous prices.

a late time of life

From this reading She had been my aunt’s housekeeper for over twenty years and had evidently every intention of being mine also.