Chapter I

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

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

with few mistakes

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

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

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland; daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

an expectation

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

any person at all

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

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

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

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

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

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

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

plural of “blade” — especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

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

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

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

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

English botanical writer and publisher (1746-1799)

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

past form of “deduce” — reason by deduction; establish by deduction

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

past form of “dispatch” — send away towards a designated goal

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

plural of “division” — an army unit large enough to sustain combat

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

plural of “envelope” — a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

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

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

a young female

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

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

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

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

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

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

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

of great significance or value

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

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

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

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

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

press tightly together or cram

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

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

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

the literary culture

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

a large entrance or reception room or area

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

softly bright or radiant

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

with neatness

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

not any; not one

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

a chalcedony with alternating black and white bands; used in making cameos

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

plural of “open” — a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

venous swelling external or internal to the anal sphincter

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

open to doubt or debate

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

with speed

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

woody brambles bearing usually red but sometimes black or yellow fruits that separate from the receptacle when ripe and are rounder and smaller than blackberries

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

a long narrow opening

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

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

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

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

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in three piles.

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

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

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

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

not known

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

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

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

a sudden or mysterious disappearance

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

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

From this reading Author of _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

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

From this reading The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.

in the company of; together with

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens his mail.

but in spite of that

From this reading These divisions represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore of problematical value.