Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

the state of being absent

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

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

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

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

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading No furniture of any kind relieved the monotony of the place.

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

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

a tract of land used for burials

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

plural of “chandelier” — branched lighting fixture; often ornate; hangs from the ceiling

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

a religious residence especially for nuns

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

the state of being decayed or destroyed

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

plural of “detonation” — a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

divisible by two

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading No furniture of any kind relieved the monotony of the place.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

material resulting from the process of grinding

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

sing with closed lips

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

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

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

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

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

defying expression or description

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

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

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading No furniture of any kind relieved the monotony of the place.

the sound of laughing

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

machines or machine systems collectively

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

the force of workers available

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

the quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety

From this reading No furniture of any kind relieved the monotony of the place.

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

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

not any; not one

From this reading No furniture of any kind relieved the monotony of the place.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

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

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading No furniture of any kind relieved the monotony of the place.

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

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

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

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

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

characterized by or preferring solitude

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

shining with brilliant points of light like stars

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

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

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

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

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

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

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

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

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Strange thoughts came into my mind as I stood regarding this desolate saloon.

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

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

plural of “tomb” — a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

precisely as stated

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading I felt as one within the ruins of some old convent, or amidst the tombs of an antique cemetery.

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

From this reading Silent and solitary it seemed--even more so I thought than would some lonely spot in the midst of a forest.

but in spite of that

From this reading The very absence of those sounds that one is accustomed to hear in such a place--the grinding of the machinery--the hoarse detonations of the 'scape-pipe-- the voices of men--the busy hum of conversation, or the ringing laugh-- the absence of the sights, too--the brilliant chandeliers--the long tables sparkling with crystal--the absence of these, and yet the presence of the scene associated with such sights and sounds--gave to the place an air of indescribable desolation.