Chapter XXV · Chapter 25

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

lost in thought; showing preoccupation

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

plural of “ballet” — a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

used especially of front teeth having (artificial) crowns

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

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

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

the part of the chimney that is above the roof; usually has several flues

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

completely ordinary and unremarkable

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

having an (artificial) crown on a tooth

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

form a curl, curve, or kink

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading She was expecting Michael to dinner at Friars’ Holm this evening.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

give extra weight to (a communication)

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

-ing form of “expect” — regard something as probable or likely

From this reading She was expecting Michael to dinner at Friars’ Holm this evening.

opinion or judgment

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

resembling or suggesting a feather or feathers

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

any federal law-enforcement officer

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

start firing a weapon

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

plural of “flake” — a crystal of snow

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

plural of “friar” — a male member of a religious order that originally relied solely on alms

From this reading She was expecting Michael to dinner at Friars’ Holm this evening.

an article of clothing

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

in a joyous and gleeful manner

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

having brief brilliant points or flashes of light

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

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

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

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

From this reading She was expecting Michael to dinner at Friars’ Holm this evening.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

in an idle manner

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

relating to or associated with an empire

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

and nothing more

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

in an indulgently luxurious manner

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

and nothing more

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

(Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews

From this reading She was expecting Michael to dinner at Friars’ Holm this evening.

plural of “minaret” — slender tower with balconies

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

a muzzle-loading high-angle gun with a short barrel that fires shells at high elevations for a short range

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

plural of “palace” — a large and stately mansion

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

the possibility of future success

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

plural of “rope” — a strong line

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

-ing form of “shimmer” — shine with a weak or fitful light

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

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

From this reading She was expecting Michael to dinner at Friars’ Holm this evening.

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

-ing form of “transform” — subject to a mathematical transformation

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

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

From this reading She was thinking about nothing in particular--merely revelling in the pleasant warmth and comfort of the room and in the prospect of a lazy evening spent at home, since to-night she was not due to appear in any of the ballets to be given at the Imperial Theatre.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading The bitter weather served to emphasise the easy comfort of the room, and Magda curled up into her chair luxuriously.

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

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.

a Caucasian

From this reading Outside, the snow was falling steadily in feathery flakes, hiding the grime of London beneath a garment of shimmering white and transforming the commonplace houses built of brick and mortar, each capped with its ugly chimneystack, into glittering fairy palaces, crowned with silver towers and minarets.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE ROPES OF STEEL Magda sat gazing idly into the fire, watching with abstracted eyes the flames leap up and curl gleefully round the fresh logs with which she had just fed it.