Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

an annual publication including weather forecasts and other miscellaneous information arranged according to the calendar of a given year

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

in addition

From this reading The lamps in the street were lighted, however, and also in the church she passed.

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

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading The bells for evening prayers were ringing.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

plural of “border” — a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

-ing form of “consult” — get or ask advice from

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

an opposing military force

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The bells for evening prayers were ringing.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The lamps in the street were lighted, however, and also in the church she passed.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

and nothing more

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading The lamps in the street were lighted, however, and also in the church she passed.

set afire or burning

From this reading The lamps in the street were lighted, however, and also in the church she passed.

without good reason

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

full of life and energy

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

and nothing more

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

in other respects or ways

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

past form of “overflow” — flow or run over (a limit or brim)

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The lamps in the street were lighted, however, and also in the church she passed.

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading The bells for evening prayers were ringing.

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading The bells for evening prayers were ringing.

express in words

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

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

From this reading The lamps in the street were lighted, however, and also in the church she passed.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

travel by means of steam power

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

dependable

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

a public road from one place to another

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

having passed out of existence

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

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

From this reading The bells for evening prayers were ringing.

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

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

during the time that

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

in the company of; together with

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading One Sunday evening--it must have been just while Malcolm and Blue Peter stood in the Strand listening to a voluntary that filled and overflowed an otherwise empty church--a short, stout, elderly woman was walking lightly along the pavement of a street of small houses, not far from a thoroughfare which, crowded like a market the night before, had now two lively borders only--of holiday-makers mingled with church-goers.

but in spite of that

From this reading The sun had vanished behind the smoke and steam of London; indeed he might have set--it was hard to say without consulting the almanac: but it was not dark yet.