used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
agedadjectiveUS /eɪdʒd/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
using the voice; not silently
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
arbournounUS /ˈɑːrbər/
a framework that supports climbing plants
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
butternounUS /ˈbʌtər/
an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
combverbUS /koʊm/
straighten with a comb
From this reading Then she laid it down, and helped herself to honey--real heather-honey, golden in the comb.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
COVEnounUS /koʊv/
a small inlet
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
creamiestadjectiveUS /ˈkriːmiɪst/
superlative of “creamy” — of the color of cream
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
Dalmain's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Then she laid it down, and helped herself to honey--real heather-honey, golden in the comb.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
earthenwarenounUS /ˈɜːrθənwer/
ceramic ware made of porous clay fired at low heat
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
envelopenounUS /ˈenvəloʊp/
a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
be a farmer; work as a farmer
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
flamedverbUS /fleɪmd/
past form of “flame” — shine with a sudden light
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading Then she laid it down, and helped herself to honey--real heather-honey, golden in the comb.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
heather-honey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then she laid it down, and helped herself to honey--real heather-honey, golden in the comb.
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Then she laid it down, and helped herself to honey--real heather-honey, golden in the comb.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
hesitationnounUS /ˌhezəˈteɪʃən/
indecision in speech or action
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
hobbledverbUS /ˈhɑːbəld/
past form of “hobble” — walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
home-made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
honeynounUS /ˈhʌni/
a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees
From this reading Then she laid it down, and helped herself to honey--real heather-honey, golden in the comb.
honeysucklenounUS /ˈhʌnisʌkəl/
shrub or vine of the genus Lonicera
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
HORSESHOEnounUS /ˈhɔːrsʃuː/
game equipment consisting of an open ring of iron used in playing horseshoes
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
Ingleby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
set down according to a plan
From this reading Then she laid it down, and helped herself to honey--real heather-honey, golden in the comb.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
the literary culture
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
a particular point in time
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
momentaryadjectiveUS /ˈmoʊmənteri/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
Moorhead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
O'Mara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
on one occasion
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
postmannounUS /ˈpoʊstmən/
a man who delivers the mail
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
pouringadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrɪŋ/
flowing profusely
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
with speed
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Then she laid it down, and helped herself to honey--real heather-honey, golden in the comb.
receivingverbUS /rəˈsiːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
only a very short time before
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
slicesnounUS /ˈslaɪsəz/
plural of “slice” — a share of something
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
spreadingnounUS /ˈspredɪŋ/
process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
substantialadjectiveUS /səbˈstænʃəl/
of considerable importance, size, or worth
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
teapotnounUS /ˈtiːpɑːt/
pot for brewing tea; usually has a spout and handle
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading For a moment she could scarcely bring herself to open an envelope bearing another name than her own.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading She read Mrs. Dalmain's letter through rapidly; and once she laughed aloud; and once a sudden colour flamed into her cheeks.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
at the time that
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
which person or people
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
in the company of; together with
From this reading IN HORSESHOE COVE Lady Ingleby sat in the honeysuckle arbour, pouring her tea from a little brown earthenware teapot, and spreading substantial slices of home-made bread with the creamiest of farm butter, when the aged postman hobbled up to the garden gate of the Moorhead Inn, with a letter for Mrs. O'Mara.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Then, smiling at her momentary hesitation, she tore it open with the keen delight of one, who, accustomed to a dozen letters a day, has passed a week without receiving any.
