used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
AngelicanounUS /ænˈdʒelɪkə/
any of various tall and stout herbs of the genus Angelica having pinnately compound leaves and small white or greenish flowers in compound umbels
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/
plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
brieflyadverbUS /ˈbriːfli/
for a short time
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
Camelianoun
any of several shrubs or small evergreen trees having solitary white or pink or reddish flowers
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
Camelia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
catastrophenounUS /kəˈtæstrəfi/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
deliciousadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪʃəs/
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
the act of departing
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
disappearancenounUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns/
the act of leaving secretly or without explanation
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
discernibleadjectiveUS /dɪˈsɜːrnəbəl/
perceptible by the senses or intellect
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
having made preparations
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
droopverbUS /druːp/
droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
Fox-Darriel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
destroyed or killed
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
only a very short time before
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
Henge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
Henges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
imperativelyadverb
in an imperative and commanding manner
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
lastedverbUS /ˈlæstəd/
past form of “last” — persist for a specified period of time
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
Mary'snounUS /ˈmeriz/
possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
morning'snounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋz/
possessive form of “morning” — the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
and nothing more
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
Paton's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
by chance
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
pliedverbUS /plaɪd/
inflected form of “ply” — give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
profitlessadjective
without profit or reward
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
retirementnounUS /riˈtaɪərmənt/
the state of being retired from one's business or occupation
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
riddenverbUS /ˈrɪdən/
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
done under pressure
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
sickeningadjectiveUS /ˈsɪkənɪŋ/
causing or able to cause nausea
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
term of address for a man
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
staircasenounUS /ˈsterkeɪs/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
stareverbUS /ster/
look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
imagine to be the case or true or probable
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
tea-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel plied her with profitless questions during tea-time; she only knew that Sir Arthur had ridden away, that Lady Henge had followed with the boxes, that Aunt Angelica was in her room, and that Camelia had gone out.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
unannouncedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈnaʊnst/
without warning or announcement
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
undeterredadjectiveUS /ˌʌndɪˈtɜːrd/
not deterred
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
unreasonableadjectiveUS /ənˈriːznəbəl/
not reasonable; not showing good judgment
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
vacantadjectiveUS /ˈveɪkənt/
void of intelligence or thought
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
at the time that
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was walking across the hall on her way to the staircase when Camelia entered.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mary herself hardly knew as yet, could only suspect, with a sickening droop of disappointment following a hope, unreasonable perhaps, but delicious while it so briefly lasted.
but in spite of that
From this reading She had not seen Camelia since the morning's catastrophe, a catastrophe as yet unannounced, but plainly discernible in the departure of the Henges, in Lady Paton's retirement, Camelia's disappearance, and Mary's heavy silence.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Mrs. Fox-Darriel was not disposed to let Camelia off easily; and now, undeterred by the almost vacant stare her young hostess bent upon her, she rushed at her imperatively.
