Chapter XXVI

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

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

every second one of a series

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

past form of “behave” — behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

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

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

any utterance produced simultaneously by a group

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

-ing form of “concentrate” — make denser, stronger, or purer

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

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

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

(often used in combination) having a specified direction

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

divisible by two

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

plural of “excuse” — a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

a social unit living together

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

a predisposition to like something

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a person of French nationality

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

in a gradual manner

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

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

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

a social unit living together

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

-ing form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a large and imposing house

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

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

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

United States assassin of President John F. Kennedy (1939-1963)

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

plural of “outburst” — an unrestrained expression of emotion

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

everlastingly; for all time

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

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

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

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

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt; motivated by spite

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

a disposition to be sly and stealthy and to do things surreptitiously

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

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

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

-ing form of “torment” — torment emotionally or mentally

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

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

From this reading The household there seemed gradually clustering, a strange chorus of observation, round Oswald and Desirée, the two principal figures in the scene.

not enlightened; ignorant

From this reading Aunt Jean sat in her chair apart, troubled and unenlightened, perpetually calling Desirée to her, and inventing excuses to draw her out of the presence and society of Oswald.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

precisely as stated

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

look attentively

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.

at the time that

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

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

From this reading Patricia, when she was present in the family circle, directed a spiteful watch upon the two, with the vigilance of an ill-fairy; while even Joanna, a little shocked and startled by the diversion of Desirée’s regard from herself, a result which she had not quite looked for, behaved very much like a jealous lover to the poor little governess, tormenting her by alternate sulks and violent outbursts of fondness.

during the time that

From this reading While the peaceful Manse of Kirkbride was turned into a house of mourning, a strange little drama was being played at Melmar.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Melmar himself watched the little Frenchwoman with cat-like stealthiness, concentrating his regard upon her.