Chapter XVII · The Secret

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

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

highly skilled

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

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

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

(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 Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

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

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

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

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

position or state of being dominant or in control

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

United States author who was an outspoken critic of racism (1924-1987)

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

manner of acting or controlling yourself

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

a performance of music by players or singers not involving theatrical staging

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

-ing form of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

(plural) the deepest and most remote part

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

wanted intensely

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

relating to or characteristic of diplomacy

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

with discretion; prudently and with wise self-restraint

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

carnivore of Central America and South America resembling a weasel with a greyish-white back and dark underparts

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

prudent

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

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

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

a scolding (even vicious) old woman

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

continually recurring to the mind

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

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

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

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

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

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

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

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

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

lacking practical experience or training

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

occurring by chance

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

plural of “machination” — a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

having an unpleasant smell

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

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

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

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

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

come into possession of

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

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

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

a human being

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

plural of “policeman” — a member of a police force

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

past form of “reside” — make one's home in a particular place or community

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

past form of “risk” — expose to a chance of loss or damage

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

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

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

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

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

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

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

a district of a city marked by poverty and inferior living conditions

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

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

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

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

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

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

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

past form of “vouch” — give personal assurance; guarantee

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

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

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

at the time that

From this reading Certainly her lucky star was in the ascendant when she plunged into those malodorous depths, as she had been guarded from all peril by the various policemen; but her own diplomatic behavior had accomplished the impossible with the old harridan.

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

From this reading Marie returned home with the full belief that Morad-Bakche was the guilty person, since he desired to obtain possession of the peacock, and he had been haunting the house wherein Baldwin Grison resided.

which person or people

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading That Sorley had held the bird—a fact vouched for by Alan—she believed was due to the machinations of Miss Grison, who evidently was working in concert with the Indian to ruin the man.

characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world

From this reading Considering that Marie was inexperienced in worldly matters, she acted with extraordinary foresight and determination.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Few girls would have risked that journey to the Rotherhithe slum, or would have conducted the interview with Mother Slaig so discreetly.