Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading Romer had said, "Val will look in this afternoon."

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

plural of “buttonhole” — a hole through which buttons are pushed

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

marked by blithe unconcern

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

travel across or pass over

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

the wife of your son

From this reading She was expecting her daughter-in-law.

luxuriously self-indulgent

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

in a delightful manner

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

the system of production and distribution and consumption

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

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

From this reading She was expecting her daughter-in-law.

more than is needed, desired, or required

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

the organ of sight

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

an indirect suggestion

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

to a high degree; extremely; in high concentration or density

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

and nothing more

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

immediately past

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Romer had said, "Val will look in this afternoon."

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

joined in matrimony

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

the mother of your spouse

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

easily agitated

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

a brief written record

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

many times at short intervals

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

on one occasion

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

never-ceasing

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

worthy of high praise

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

show approval or appreciation of

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

precisely, exactly

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Romer had said, "Val will look in this afternoon."

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Romer had said, "Val will look in this afternoon."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

the state of being sober and not intoxicated by alcohol

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

plural of “stitch” — a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

in a softened tone

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

your usual mood

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

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

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

in or at that place or location

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Romer had said, "Val will look in this afternoon."

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

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

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

not basic or fundamental

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

not necessary

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Romer had said, "Val will look in this afternoon."

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

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

at the time that

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

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

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Romer had said, "Val will look in this afternoon."

in the company of; together with

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading VALENTIA'S VISIT Romer's mother, looking intensely cross--it was her form of deep thought--was re-embroidering, with extra little stitches, and unnecessary little French knots, and elaborate little buttonholes that would never see a button, a large and fine piece of embroidery on which she had been working for many months.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.

but in spite of that

From this reading She had that decadent love of minute finish in the unessential so often seen in persons of a nervous yet persistent temperament.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading * * * * * Valentia arrived, delightfully dressed, and, to the casual observer, looking just as usual, but in her costume there was just that nuance of difference--what was it?--extra sobriety, a more subdued look--some trifle that she had worn last year to suggest to the seeing eye a hint of praiseworthy economy?--at any rate, a shade that other young married women would recognise at once as the right note when calling on one's mother-in-law.