Chapter IV

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

any specific behavior

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

indistinct or hazy in outline

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

terminate

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

the act of breaking something

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

covered with or as with a canopy

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

causing confusion or disorientation

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

to a great extent or degree

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

a sudden sharp noise

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

-ing form of “culminate” — end, especially to reach a final or climactic stage

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

causing distress or worry or anxiety

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

divisible by two

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

in a gradual manner

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

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

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

in an imperceptible manner or to an imperceptible degree

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

a single distinct event

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

unbiased impartial unconcern

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

(mathematics) a variable that has zero as its limit

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

in a slow, leisurely or prolonged way

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

for more time

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

occurring from time to time

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

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

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

the property of a continuous and connected period of time

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

in a persistent manner

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

apply a heavy coat to

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

in a cheerful manner

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

with low volume

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

put or confide something in a person or thing

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

recurring with measured regularity

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

moving with great haste

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading Imperceptibly the confusing ideas of the evening became pleasantly indistinct--the numberless contradictory feelings blurred into one delightful sensation of indifference and repose.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

the state of being asleep

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

with low volume

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

in a soothing manner

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

in a softened tone

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

express in words

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.

your usual mood

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

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

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

conducive to or feeling mental discomfort

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

not noticed

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Then gradually, as his ears became accustomed to these minor noises, another sound, unnoticed in the activity of the earlier hours, obtruded itself softly but persistently upon his consciousness--the subdued and regular breaking of the sea on the rocks below the house.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading Thus it was that James Milbanke entered on his first night at Orristown.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

an established custom

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

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

From this reading The surprise, the excitement, and the culminating incident of the evening would have been disturbing to a man of even more placid temperament; and rebel as he might against the weakness, he lay awake considerably longer than was his wont in the uncomfortable, canopied bed, listening to the numberless infinitesimal sounds that break the silence of a sleeping house--from the faint, occasional cracking of the furniture to the scurrying of a mouse behind the plaster of the walls.

a late time of life

From this reading A slight sense of annoyance was his first feeling, for it was many years since he had slept by the sea; then quietly, lingeringly, soothingly the rhythmical persistence of the sound began to tell.