Chapter XX

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

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

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

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

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

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

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

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

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

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

quick and energetic

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

the trait of displaying arrogance by patronizing those considered inferior

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

look down on with disdain

From this reading There was revenge in his disdain.

raised above the ground

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

divisible by two

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

having lost your job

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

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

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

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

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

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

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

Roman lyric poet said to have influenced English poetry (65-8 BC)

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

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

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

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

From this reading There was revenge in his disdain.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

too small or unimportant to merit attention

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

a feeling of righteous anger

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

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

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

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

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

plural of “magnate” — a very wealthy or powerful businessman

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

engage in

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

befitting or characteristic of a fully mature woman

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

lasting for a markedly brief time

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

and nothing more

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

-ing form of “perceive” — to become aware of through the senses

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

a full supply

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

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

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

plural of “pretension” — a false or unsupportable quality

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

action taken in return for an injury or offense

From this reading There was revenge in his disdain.

a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

start suddenly, as from fright

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

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

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

not in physical motion

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

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

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was revenge in his disdain.

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

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

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

From this reading It fired his inclination to exhibit the power he had acquired, and make the most of it.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

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

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

precisely as stated

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

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

From this reading There was revenge in his disdain.

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

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

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

From this reading Even the vicar was not asked to Mr. Pouncet's on this occasion; the show was very inconsiderable--a fact which Horace made out with little difficulty, and which Mr. Stenhouse's sharp eyes were not likely to be slow of perceiving.

which person or people

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.

a late time of life

From this reading The party was few in number, and not of very elevated pretensions; a few ladies of the county town, in sober but bright-coloured silk and satin, such as was thought becoming to their matronly years, who had plenty of talk among themselves, but were shy of interfering with the conversation of "the gentlemen"; and a few gentlemen, the best of their class in Kenlisle, but still only Kenlisle townsmen, and not county magnates.

suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh

From this reading Horace laughed at the condescension of his hosts, but not with the laugh of sweet temper or brisk momentary youthful indignation.