Chapter X · Chapter 10

the state of being absent

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

Roman Emperor who was the adoptive son of Trajan; travelled throughout his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture; on a visit to Britain in 122 he ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall (76-138)

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

(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 Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

in addition

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

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

From this reading In the meantime the daylight dwindles, and twilight descends.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

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

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

the rank or dignity or position of a baronet or baroness

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

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

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

tired of the world

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

the two together, not just one

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

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

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

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

From this reading In the meantime the daylight dwindles, and twilight descends.

-ing form of “debate” — argue with one another

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

third-person singular of “decide” — reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

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

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

third-person singular of “depart” — move away from a place into another direction

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

the act of departing

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

third-person singular of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading In the meantime the daylight dwindles, and twilight descends.

-ing form of “desert” — leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

psychological suffering

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

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

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

the quality of being slow to understand

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

third-person singular of “dwindle” — become smaller or lose substance

From this reading In the meantime the daylight dwindles, and twilight descends.

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

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

past form of “ensue” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

divisible by two

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

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

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

a city in central Italy on the Arno; provincial capital of Tuscany; center of the Italian Renaissance from 14th to 16th centuries

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

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

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

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

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

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

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

a social unit living together

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

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

From this reading In the meantime the daylight dwindles, and twilight descends.

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

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

go away from a place

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

the time between one event, process, or period and another

From this reading In the meantime the daylight dwindles, and twilight descends.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

the next day

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

information about recent and important events

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

not any; not one

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

and nothing more

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

a feeling of righteous anger

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

by chance

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

with low volume

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

on the contrary

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

in secrecy; not openly

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.

wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

term of address for a man

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

not in physical motion

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

with strength or in a strong manner

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

past form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

carry out

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

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

From this reading In the meantime the daylight dwindles, and twilight descends.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

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

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

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

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading In the meantime the daylight dwindles, and twilight descends.

not brought to a conclusion; subject to further thought

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Even that too departs, and now darkness falls upon the distressed household, and still there is no news of Sir Adrian.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

during the time that

From this reading This the old lady, though strongly disinclined to quit the castle, is debating in her own mind, and, being swayed by Lady Gertrude, who is secretly rather bored by the dullness that has ensued on the strange absence of their host, decides to leave on the morrow, to the great distress of both Dora and Florence Delmaine, who shrink from deserting the castle while its master's fate is undecided.

which person or people

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Arthur Dynecourt, who is already beginning to be treated with due respect as the next heir to the baronetcy, has quietly hinted to old Lady FitzAlmont that perhaps it will be as well, in the extraordinary circumstances, if they all take their departure.

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

From this reading But they are also sensible that, to remain the only female guests, would be to outrage the conventionalities.