Chapter II · Chapter 2

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

(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 I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

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

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

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

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

in a convenient manner

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

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

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

destructive of morale and self-reliance

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

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

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

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

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

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

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

a holiday taken by a newly married couple

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

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

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

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

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

and nothing more

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

plural of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

engage in

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

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

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

cut slightly, with a razor

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

not one thing; not anything

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

past form of “object” — express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

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

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

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

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

a strong liking

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

a stipulated condition

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

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

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

rejecting or disowning or disclaiming as invalid

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

possessing material wealth

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

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

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

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

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

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

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

-ing form of “swarm” — be teeming, be abuzz

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

carry out

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

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

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

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

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

a city in north central France near Paris; site of the Palace of Versailles that was built by Louis XIV in the 17th century

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

precisely as stated

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

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

From this reading They therefore gave Strefford’s villa the preference, with an inward proviso (on Susy’s part) that Violet’s house might very conveniently serve their purpose at another season.

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

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

at the time that

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

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

From this reading It was such an artless ingenuous little house, so full of the demoralizing simplicity of great wealth, that it seemed to Susy just the kind of place in which to take the first steps in renunciation.

which person or people

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

in the company of; together with

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

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

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twelve and one

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading But Nick had objected that Paris, at that time of year, would be swarming with acquaintances who would hunt them down at all hours; and Susy’s own experience had led her to remark that there was nothing the very rich enjoyed more than taking pot-luck with the very poor.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading XIII WHEN Violet Melrose had said to Susy Branch, the winter before in New York: “But why on earth don’t you and Nick go to my little place at Versailles for the honeymoon?

used when the people spoken to are both doing and receiving the action

From this reading I’m off to China, and you could have it to yourselves all summer,” the offer had been tempting enough to make the lovers waver.