Chapter III

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

(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 Together all three began sauntering in the direction of the Kolowrátring.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

plural of “band” — an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

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

From this reading Together all three began sauntering in the direction of the Kolowrátring.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

plural of “cigarette” — finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Together all three began sauntering in the direction of the Kolowrátring.

any of several games played with small rectangular blocks

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

loaded to excess or impeded by a heavy load

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

at any time

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

changed for (replaced by) something different

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

a large entrance or reception room or area

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

not close together in time

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

plural of “jest” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading Together all three began sauntering in the direction of the Kolowrátring.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

plural of “mask” — a covering to disguise or conceal the face

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

not any; not one

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

-ing form of “occupy” — keep busy with

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

the act of applying force in order to move something away

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

adroitness and cleverness in reply

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

past form of “retrace” — to go back over again

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

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

From this reading Together all three began sauntering in the direction of the Kolowrátring.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

in the near future

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

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

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Together all three began sauntering in the direction of the Kolowrátring.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Together all three began sauntering in the direction of the Kolowrátring.

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

precisely as stated

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

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

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

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

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They walked on in silence for some time, smoking cigarettes and pushing their way through the crowd as best they could.

in or at the place that

From this reading But the three grey dominoes appeared in no very great hurry; they exchanged jests where repartee was expected of them, and mixed with the crowd where it was impossible to avoid it.

which person or people

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.

the extent of something from side to side

From this reading On the Ringstrasse the scene was as gay as ever; laughing groups of masks in bands of a score or so occupying the whole width of the street made progress somewhat difficult.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As soon as Iván Volenski lost sight completely of Madame Demidoff’s carriage, he, with a sigh of relief, retraced his steps up the wide stairs of the opera house, and joined a couple of dominoes, who, dressed like himself in uniform grey, stood isolated among the groups of masks that encumbered the entrance to the _foyer_.