Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading An apathy held her, which was tranquillising rather than tedious.

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

From this reading She was glad to lie still and rest.

an absence of emotion or enthusiasm

From this reading An apathy held her, which was tranquillising rather than tedious.

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

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

From this reading For Lady Calmady's convalescence was slow.

marked by continuous change or effective action

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury

From this reading For Lady Calmady's convalescence was slow.

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For Lady Calmady's convalescence was slow.

set up or found

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

pleasant-smelling

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading She was glad to lie still and rest.

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading An apathy held her, which was tranquillising rather than tedious.

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

a polite name for any woman

From this reading For Lady Calmady's convalescence was slow.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading She was glad to lie still and rest.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

vigorously passionate

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

a child's room for a baby

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

plural of “obligation” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

plural of “protestation” — a formal and solemn declaration of objection

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

on the contrary

From this reading An apathy held her, which was tranquillising rather than tedious.

save from sins

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading She was glad to lie still and rest.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading She was glad to lie still and rest.

make a shift in or exchange of

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading For Lady Calmady's convalescence was slow.

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

a male human offspring

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

affording physical relief

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

the season of growth

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

not in physical motion

From this reading She was glad to lie still and rest.

in a softened tone

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

the rays of the sun

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading An apathy held her, which was tranquillising rather than tedious.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

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

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

tending to soothe or tranquilize

From this reading An apathy held her, which was tranquillising rather than tedious.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

precisely as stated

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

look attentively

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

at the time that

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

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

From this reading IN WHICH KATHERINE CALMADY LOOKS ON HER SON More than a week elapsed before Ormiston was called upon to redeem his promise.

during the time that

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading She found it very soothing to be shut away from the many obligations of active life for a while; to watch the sunlight, on fair days, shift from east by south to west, across the warm fragrant room; to see the changing clouds in the delicate spring sky, and the slow-dying crimson and violet of the sunset; to hear the sudden hurry of falling rain, the subdued voices of the women in the adjoining nursery, and, sometimes, the lusty protestations of her baby when--as John Knott had put it--"things didn't suit him."