Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

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

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

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

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading “Coming yet?” queried Mrs. Judson, as her husband returned to the kitchen.

having been prepared for eating by the application of heat

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

placed crosswise

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

demanding attention

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

destroyed or killed

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The latter shook his head.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading “Coming yet?” queried Mrs. Judson, as her husband returned to the kitchen.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

conformity or harmony

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading “Coming yet?” queried Mrs. Judson, as her husband returned to the kitchen.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The latter shook his head.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

lighted by moonlight

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

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

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

not any; not one

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

past form of “postpone” — hold back to a later time

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

completely free from dirt or contamination

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

inflected form of “query” — pose a question

From this reading “Coming yet?” queried Mrs. Judson, as her husband returned to the kitchen.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading “Coming yet?” queried Mrs. Judson, as her husband returned to the kitchen.

inflected form of “rob” — take something away by force or without the consent of the owner

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading The latter shook his head.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

infer from incomplete evidence

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

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

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

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

From this reading “Coming yet?” queried Mrs. Judson, as her husband returned to the kitchen.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

someone who visits

From this reading A MIDNIGHT VISITOR Judson crossed the hall at Far End and, opening the front door, peered anxiously out into the moonlit night for the third time that evening.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

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

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Neither he nor his wife could surmise what had become of their master.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading He had gone away, as they knew, with the intention of joining a picnic party in Haven Woods, but he had given no instructions that he wished the dinner-hour postponed, and now the beautiful little dinner which Mrs. Judson had prepared and cooked for her somewhat exigent employer had been entirely robbed of its pristine delicacy of flavour, since it had been “keeping hot” in the oven for at least two hours.

but in spite of that

From this reading “Coming yet?” queried Mrs. Judson, as her husband returned to the kitchen.