used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading All that Madame Yvonett had been able to save--gone!
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Marjorie stumbled back and leaned weakly against the newel post, her strength stricken from her.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All that Madame Yvonett had been able to save--gone!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Oh, it was too cruel to be believed!
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading All that Madame Yvonett had been able to save--gone!
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Oh, it was too cruel to be believed!
terminate
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
CalderonnounUS /ˈkɔːldərɑːn/
Spanish poet and dramatist considered one of the great Spanish writers (1600-1681)
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
circularsnounUS /ˈsɜːrkjələrz/
plural of “circular” — an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
gotten under control
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading Oh, it was too cruel to be believed!
curtlyadverbUS /ˈkɜːrtli/
in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
depositedverbUS /dəˈpɑːzɪtɪd/
past form of “deposit” — put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
engrossedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈɡroʊst/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
envelopesnounUS /ˈenvəloʊps/
plural of “envelope” — a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
examineverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
a social unit living together
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
Fordyce
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
destroyed or killed
From this reading All that Madame Yvonett had been able to save--gone!
GravesnounUS /ɡreɪvz/
English writer known for his interest in mythology and in the classics (1895-1985)
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
hat-stand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
informingnounUS /ˌɪnˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
to furnish incriminating evidence to an officer of the law (usually in return for favors)
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Oh, it was too cruel to be believed!
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading Marjorie stumbled back and leaned weakly against the newel post, her strength stricken from her.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
MARJORIE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
MinervanounUS /məˈnɜːrvə/
(Roman mythology) goddess of wisdom; counterpart of Greek Athena
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
newelnoun
the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs; it supports the handrail
From this reading Marjorie stumbled back and leaned weakly against the newel post, her strength stricken from her.
information about recent and important events
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
a brief written record
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading Oh, it was too cruel to be believed!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading Marjorie stumbled back and leaned weakly against the newel post, her strength stricken from her.
Rebekahnoun
(Old Testament) wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
reservenounUS /rɪˈzɜːrv/
formality and propriety of manner
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
except for; apart from
From this reading All that Madame Yvonett had been able to save--gone!
savingsnounUS /ˈseɪvɪŋz/
a fund of money put by as a reserve
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
be standing; be upright
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Marjorie stumbled back and leaned weakly against the newel post, her strength stricken from her.
strickenadjectiveUS /ˈstrɪkən/
grievously affected especially by disease
From this reading Marjorie stumbled back and leaned weakly against the newel post, her strength stricken from her.
stumbledverbUS /ˈstʌmbəld/
past form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily
From this reading Marjorie stumbled back and leaned weakly against the newel post, her strength stricken from her.
TEMPTINGadjectiveUS /ˈtemptɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Oh, it was too cruel to be believed!
tossedverbUS /tɔːst/
past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
weaklyadverbUS /ˈwiːkli/
in a weak or feeble manner or to a minor degree
From this reading Marjorie stumbled back and leaned weakly against the newel post, her strength stricken from her.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
in the company of; together with
From this reading TEMPTING FATE MARJORIE, on her way out to keep her appointment with Mrs. Calderon Fordyce, paused in the hall to examine the mail which Minerva, deeply engrossed in the arrival of Miss Rebekah Graves, had deposited on the hat-stand and forgotten.
Yvonett
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two of the envelopes contained circulars, and she tossed them back on the marble stand, but the third was a note from their family lawyer curtly informing Marjorie that the savings bank in which Madame Yvonett kept a small reserve account, had failed, and asking her to break the news to her aunt.
