Chapter IX · The Language of Love

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

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

highly skilled

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

in an admirable manner

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

regarded with admiration

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

plural of “affection” — a positive feeling of liking

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

later than; following

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

in addition

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

the two together, not just one

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

the coloring of a person's face

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

your usual mood

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

opinion or judgment

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

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

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

favorite

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

completed to perfection

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

a man of refinement

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

a young female

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

attention and management implying responsibility for safety

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

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

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

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

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

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

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

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

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

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

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

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

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

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

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

in an intellectual manner

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

people of Ireland or of Irish extraction

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

a specialist in linguistics

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

not any; not one

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

impressive in appearance

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

not one, and not any

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

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

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

in accord with physical laws

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

push for something

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

precisely, exactly

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

English leader (born in Germany) of the Royalist forces during the English Civil War (1619-1682)

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

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

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

get by special effort

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

term of address for a man

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

that is looked for

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

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

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

precisely as stated

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

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

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He had her well educated both intellectually and physically, so when she made her _début_ in London Society she was much admired.

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

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

at the time that

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

which person or people

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

in the company of; together with

From this reading May Penfold was a very pretty girl, tall and fair-haired, with a pair of merry blue eyes, and a charming complexion.

combining clever conception and facetious expression

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

women as distinguished from men

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

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

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading An accomplished musician and linguist, a daring horse-woman and a kindly disposition, it was no wonder that she was much sought after; but when added to these gifts it was also discovered that she possessed twenty thousand a year in her own right, she became the catch of the season, and many were the attempts made by hard-up scions of noble houses to secure her hand in marriage.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Her parents died when she was young and left her to the guardianship of Sir Rupert Balscombe, who certainly fulfilled his trust admirably.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading But alas, for the contrary disposition of womankind, she would have none of the gilded youth but fixed her affections on Myles Desmond, a poor Irish gentleman, with nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, a clever brain and a witty tongue.