Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

(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 The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

in addition

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

bulbous plant having showy white to reddish flowers

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

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

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

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

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

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

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

having help; often used as a combining form

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

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

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

any of several large deciduous trees with rounded spreading crowns and smooth grey bark and small sweet edible triangular nuts enclosed in burs; north temperate regions

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

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

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a professional cook

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

past form of “congratulate” — say something to someone that expresses praise

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

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

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

having or showing great excitement and interest

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

comparative of “gay” — bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

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

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

highest in quality

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

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

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

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

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

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

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

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

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

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

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

a woman host

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

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

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

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

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

immediately past

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

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

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

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

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

plural of “motor” — machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

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

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

-ing form of “progress” — develop in a positive way

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

plural of “quantity” — how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

not used up

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

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

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

a gradual sinking to a lower level

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

extremely well

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

carry out

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

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

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a special situation

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

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

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

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

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

coming next after the twenty-fourth in position

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

coming next after the twenty-second in position

From this reading The guests had all arrived in time for the ball at Bridgeborough Castle on the twenty-third of July and had assisted next day at the garden party, and then a large dinner at Ardayre, and now on the last night of their stay Amaryllis' own ball was to take place.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

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

From this reading Lady de la Paule really felt proud of her niece; the party at Ardayre was progressing so perfectly.

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

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

at the time that

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

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

From this reading John Ardayre had been quite enthusiastic about all the arrangements, taking the greatest pride in settling everything which could add lustre to his Amaryllis' success as a hostess.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading All the other big country houses round were filled also, and nothing could have been gayer or more splendidly done than the whole thing.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading The quantities of servants, the perfectly turned-out motors--the wonderful chef--all had been his doing, and when most of the party had retired to their rooms for a little rest before dinner on the twenty-fifth, the evening of the ball, Lady de la Paule and John's friend, Lady Avonwier, congratulated him, as he sat with them, the last ladies remaining, under the great copper beech tree on the lawn which led down to the lake.