Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

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

From this reading Alain reached the house in which he lodged.

(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 These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

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

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

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

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

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

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

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

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

showing who or what does the action

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

plural of “ceiling” — the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

characterized by pomp and ceremony and stately display

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

things that make you comfortable and at ease

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

absence of light or illumination

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

having a defect

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

(Greek mythology) Greek god of darkness who dwelt in the underworld; son of Chaos; brother of Nox; father of Aether and Day

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

divisible by two

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

on or from the outside

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

a social unit living together

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

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

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

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

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

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

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

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

From this reading Alain reached the house in which he lodged.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Alain reached the house in which he lodged.

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

From this reading Alain reached the house in which he lodged.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

set afire or burning

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

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

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

past form of “lodge” — be a lodger; stay temporarily

From this reading Alain reached the house in which he lodged.

a tenant in someone's house

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

the force of workers available

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

as might be expected

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

poor enough to need help from others

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

held or filled or in use

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

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

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

coated with paint

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

plural of “palace” — a large and stately mansion

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Alain reached the house in which he lodged.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading Externally a fine house, it had been the hotel of a great family in the old regime.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

possessing material wealth

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

superlative of “rich” — possessing material wealth

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

the brightly colored garments of a jockey; emblematic of the stable

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

not in physical motion

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

of surpassing excellence

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

past form of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

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

From this reading Alain reached the house in which he lodged.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

(formal) in or into that thing or place

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

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

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

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

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

the topmost one of two

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

morally excellent

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

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

From this reading But there was to him a charm in that old hotel, and the richest 'locataire' therein was not treated with a respect so ceremonious as that which at tended the lodger on the fourth story.

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

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

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

From this reading Alain reached the house in which he lodged.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the first floor were still superb apartments, with ceilings painted by Le Brun, with walls on which the thick silks still seemed fresh.

in a wretched manner

From this reading These rooms were occupied by a rich 'agent de change;' but, like all such ancient palaces, the upper stories were wretchedly defective even in the comforts which poor men demand nowadays: a back staircase, narrow, dirty, never lighted, dark as Erebus, led to the room occupied by the Marquis, which might be naturally occupied by a needy student or a virtuous 'grisette.'