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 Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

the state of being absent

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

later than; following

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

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

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

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

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

happiness felt in a secure relationship

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

serving to support or corroborate

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

to a great extent or degree

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

be in contradiction with

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

coming down or downward

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

possessive form of “diana” — English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading Therefore, the person must be known to the owner of that house, and I must discover who the owner is.

the act of discovering something

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

no longer in use

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

to come or go into

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

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

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

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

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

enclose with a fence

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

easily broken or damaged or destroyed

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

A small part broken or separated off something larger.

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

(medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and dressings

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

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

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

of great significance or value

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Therefore, the person must be known to the owner of that house, and I must discover who the owner is.

steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

the mansion of a lord or wealthy person

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

not any; not one

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

above and across; more than

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

a human being

From this reading Therefore, the person must be known to the owner of that house, and I must discover who the owner is.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

make (one thing) compatible with

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

not used up

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

Identical; not different.

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

cut with a saw

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

inclined to shake as from weakness or defect

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

not in physical motion

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

past form of “surmise” — infer from incomplete evidence

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

plural of “suspicion” — an impression that something might be the case

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Therefore, the person must be known to the owner of that house, and I must discover who the owner is.

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

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

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

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

in an acceptable (but not outstanding) manner

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

a garment that covers the head and face

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

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

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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

From this reading THE VEIL AND ITS OWNER As may be surmised, Lucian was considerably startled by the discovery of this important evidence so confirmative of Diana's suspicions.

at the time that

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

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

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

which person or people

From this reading Therefore, the person must be known to the owner of that house, and I must discover who the owner is.

belonging to which person

From this reading "After all," thought Lucian, when he was seated that same evening at his dinner, "I am no more certain that the veil is the property of Mrs. Vrain than I am that she was the woman whose shadow I saw on the blind.

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

From this reading Whosoever it was that gained entrance by passing over fence and through cellar, must have come across the yard belonging to the house facing the other road.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

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 Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet the knowledge which Link had gained relative to Mrs. Vrain's remaining at Berwin Manor to keep Christmas seemed to contradict the fact; and he could by no means reconcile her absence with the presence on the fence of the fragment of gauze; still less with the supposition that she must have climbed over a tolerably difficult obstacle to enter the yard, let alone the necessity--by no means easy to a woman--of descending into the disused cellar by means of a shaky and fragile ladder.