Chapter XXVIII · They Who Waited

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

in an absentminded or preoccupied manner

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

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

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

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

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland; daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

inflected form of “belie” — be in contradiction with

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

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

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

shining intensely

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

the state of being with someone

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

intentionally conceived

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

an intense desire for some particular thing

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

a slight wetness

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

remove the dust from

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

start firing a weapon

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

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

From this reading She had not much longer to wait.

plural of “handful” — a small number or amount

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

not solid; having a space or gap or cavity

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

with impatience; in an impatient manner

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

possessive form of “jean” — a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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 The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

for more time

From this reading She had not much longer to wait.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading She had not much longer to wait.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She had not much longer to wait.

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

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

the length of a line segment between the center and circumference of a circle or sphere

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

(used especially of commodities) being unprocessed or manufactured using only simple or minimal processes

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

worried and uneasy

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.

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

From this reading She had not much longer to wait.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

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

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

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

From this reading She had not much longer to wait.

past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

in the direction of

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

directed up

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading She had not much longer to wait.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading LADY ANNE sat gazing absently into the heart of the fire, watching the restless leap of the flames and the little scattered handfuls of sparks, like golden star dust, tossed upward into the dark hollow of the chimney by the blazing logs.

accept gladly

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

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

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Blaise should surely have returned by now from his all-day conference with the estate agent.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The “warm and sunny south”--at least, that part of it within a twelve-mile radius of Dartmoor--is quite capable, on occasion, of belying its guide-book designation, particularly towards the latter end of summer, and there was a raw dampness in the atmosphere this evening which made welcome company of a fire.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It seemed a little lonely without Jean’s cheery presence, and Lady Anne, conscious of a craving for human companionship, glanced impatiently at the clock.