Chapter XX

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

cause to come to know personally

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

a farewell remark

From this reading Adieu!

give advice to

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

abundant wealth

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

(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 YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

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

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

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

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

a connecting shape

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

plural of “connexion” — a connecting shape

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

originate

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

dearly loved

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

not to your liking

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

try to prevent; show opposition to

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

granted exemption

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

a social unit living together

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

a young female

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

a state of high honor

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

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

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

a fictitious detective in stories by A. Conan Doyle

From this reading Mrs. _Holmes_ to _Myra_.

the state of being honored

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

engage in

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. _Holmes_ to _Myra_.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading Mrs. _Holmes_ to _Myra_.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

the act of causing something to go (especially messages)

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

with speed

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

a heavy textile with a woven design; used for curtains and upholstery

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

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

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

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

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

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

From this reading Mrs. _Holmes_ to _Myra_.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

plural of “verse” — literature in metrical form

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

precisely as stated

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

have a certain weight

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

which person or people

From this reading YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation of all sensible people—true merit is personal.

plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

in the company of; together with

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a _certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading _Belleview._ IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_ acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so fine a girl as _Harriot_.