Chapter XXV · A Dark Conspiracy

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

how long something has existed

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

changed in form or character without becoming something else

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

causing inconvenience

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

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

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

a journey taken for pleasure

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

a first-year undergraduate

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Have you slept well?”

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

immediately past

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

engage in

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

a particular point in time

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

a form of address for a man

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

accept an excuse for

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

in a cheerful manner

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

be shown or be found to be

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

provide physical relief, as from pain

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

To recall to mind.

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

inflected form of “repay” — pay back

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

Identical; not different.

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

express in words

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

the place where some action occurs

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

ready for service or able to give long service

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

term of address for a man

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep

From this reading Have you slept well?”

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

a trait of dignified seriousness

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

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

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading You are fresher, pardon an old man's freedom, and I should say far handsomer too!”

an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

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

From this reading “Really, Mr. Hickman, you make me think my excursion well repaid by such flatteries,” said she, smiling pleasantly, and not sorry thus for a moment to say something that might relieve the awkward solemnity of the scene.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

in the company of; together with

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Dr. Hickman was so little prepared for the favorable change in Lady Eleanor's appearance since he had last seen her, as almost to doubt that she was the same, and it was with a slight tremor of voice he said,-- “Is it age with me, my Lady, or altered health, that makes the difference, but you seem to me not what I remember you?

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading “I hope sir, that this air, severe though it be, may prove as serviceable to yourself.