used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
all-roundadjective
many-sided
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
AlongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
antiquitynounUS /ænˈtɪkwəti/
the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
bankernounUS /ˈbæŋkər/
a financier who owns or is an executive in a bank
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
bondsnounUS /bɑːndz/
plural of “bond” — an electrical force linking atoms
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
a state at a particular time
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
-ing form of “consider” — deem to be
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
Dearing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
excusableadjectiveUS /ɪksˈkjuːzəbəl/
capable of being overlooked
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
forbiddingadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
enclose in or as if in a frame
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
Fred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
Galt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
he'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
where you live at a particular time
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
Kenneth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
lawnsnounUS /lɔːnz/
plural of “lawn” — a field of cultivated and mowed grass
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
the act of departing
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
loomedverbUS /luːmd/
past form of “loom” — come into view indistinctly, often threateningly
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
Madge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
meddlesomeadjectiveUS /ˈmedəlsəm/
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
modernizedadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdərnaɪzd/
brought up to date
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
money-lender
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
not in physical motion
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
muteadjectiveUS /mjuːt/
expressed without speech
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
not any; not one
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
note-shaver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
on one occasion
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
paintverbUS /peɪnt/
make a painting
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
ramshackleadjectiveUS /ˈræmʃækəl/
in deplorable condition
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
the act of searching for something
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
spaciousadjectiveUS /ˈspeɪʃəs/
very large in expanse or scope
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
speculatornounUS /ˈspekjəleɪtər/
someone who makes conjectures without knowing the facts
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
Stafford's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
starlightnounUS /ˈstɑːrlaɪt/
the light of the stars
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
stepmothernounUS /ˈstepmʌðər/
the wife of your father by a subsequent marriage
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
stocksnounUS /stɑːks/
a frame that supports a boat while it is under construction
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
strodeverbUS /stroʊd/
inflected form of “stride” — walk with long steps
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
a just detectable amount
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
two-story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
viewedverbUS /vjuːd/
past form of “view” — deem to be
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
Walton'snounUS /ˈwɔːltənz/
possessive form of “walton” — English composer (1902-1983)
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
well-keptadjective
kept in good condition
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
well-to-doadjective
in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich
From this reading It was the home of Fred Walton's father, Stafford's well-to-do banker, money-lender, “note-shaver,” and all-round speculator in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Along the way were old-fashioned houses in bad condition, old buildings which had been modernized, and which stood on well-kept lawns, and others which had no touch of antiquity.
in or at the place that
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading |LEAVING Madge mute and motionless at the gate, staring through the starlight after him, Dearing strode down the street past the fine old home of Kenneth Galt, which was set well back in spacious grounds on the left.
a Caucasian
From this reading After a few minutes he reached a plain two-story frame house which had once been white, but now showed little trace of its original paint.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading “Fred may be here,” Dearing reflected, as he paused at the ramshackle gate and viewed the forbidding old house as it loomed up among the trees, fifty yards from where he stood; “but he'd certainly be excusable for seeking a more cheerful place to spend an evening, considering that meddlesome stepmother of his.”
