Chapter XII · An Old Story

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

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

quickly and without warning

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

in the past

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

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

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

adopted in order to deceive

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

a member of the British order of honor; ranks below a baron but above a knight

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

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

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Stella tightened her lips, and held fast to the back of the chair, but she did not speak.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

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

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

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

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Stella tightened her lips, and held fast to the back of the chair, but she did not speak.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

being one more than seventeen

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

plural of “eyebrow” — the arch of hair above each eye

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Stella tightened her lips, and held fast to the back of the chair, but she did not speak.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

start firing a weapon

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

with resolute determination

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

at ease in talking to others

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

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

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

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

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Stella tightened her lips, and held fast to the back of the chair, but she did not speak.

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

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

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

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

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

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

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

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

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

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading Stella tightened her lips, and held fast to the back of the chair, but she did not speak.

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

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

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

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

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

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Stella tightened her lips, and held fast to the back of the chair, but she did not speak.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

above and across; more than

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

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

From this reading Stella tightened her lips, and held fast to the back of the chair, but she did not speak.

term of address for a man

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

express in speech

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

United States minimalist painter (born in 1936)

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Stella stood at a little distance, her hands folded over the back of a tall, carved oak chair.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

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

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

past form of “tighten” — make tight or tighter

From this reading Stella tightened her lips, and held fast to the back of the chair, but she did not speak.

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

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

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

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

at the time that

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

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

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the study, Sir Philip Cranstoun assumed his favorite position, with his back to the fire, and his feet planted firmly on the hearth-rug.

a late time of life

From this reading Looking at her under his heavy black eyebrows, her father was instantly reminded of another scene which had taken place in that same house more than eighteen years ago, on the night when Clare Lady Cranstoun first learned of her father’s murder.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “I called you in here,” the Baronet began, abruptly, “to speak of your forthcoming marriage.”