Chapter XXXVI

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

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

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

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

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

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

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

plural of “buck” — a gymnastic horse without pommels and with one end elongated; used lengthwise for vaulting

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

a beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar; usually drunk hot

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

plural of “countryman” — a man from your own country

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

lower than previously

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

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

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

to come or go into

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

the organ of sight

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

a boy or man

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

plural of “fog” — droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

set up or found

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

immoderately desirous of acquiring e.g. wealth

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

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

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

Irish mathematician (1806-1865)

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

possessive form of “hamilton” — Irish mathematician (1806-1865)

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading And what open hands they had!

overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

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

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

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

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

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

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

plural of “merchant” — a businessperson engaged in retail trade

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

usually large hard-shelled seed

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

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

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading And what open hands they had!

have ownership or possession of

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

having a tendency (to); often used in combination

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

plural of “rain” — water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

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

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

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

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

in the near future

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

in or at that place or location

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

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

From this reading And what open hands they had!

in spite of the fact that

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

plural of “treat” — something considered choice to eat

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

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

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

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

From this reading 'Twas marvellous the number of old friends and fellow countrymen that, by his own account, he found there.

showing disapproval; in a disparaging way

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

not easy to understand or use

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading And what open hands they had!

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

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

possessive form of “white” — a Caucasian

From this reading MacKellar soon found company in it among silken bucks that held noisy sederunts in the evenings at a place called White's and another called (if my memory does not fail me) the Cocoa Nut Tree.

belonging to which person

From this reading The fogs and rains depressed him; he had an eye altogether unfriendly for the signs of striving commerce in the streets and the greedy haste of clerks and merchants into whose days of unremitting industry so few joys (as he fancied) seemed to enter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.

produce a literary work

From this reading TREATS OF FATHER HAMILTON'S DEATH It was a gay place, London, in the days I write of, however it may be now, though Father Hamilton was prone occasionally to compare it unfavourably with the Paris of his fancy, the which he held a sample-piece of paradise.