Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

without advance planning

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

feel admiration for

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

later than; following

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

plural of “alliance” — the state of being allied or confederated

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

eagerly desirous

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

plural of “attack” — (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

only a very short time before

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

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

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

of or relating to communication

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

reveal in private; tell confidentially

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

entrusted with private information and the confidence of another

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

enter into a contractual arrangement

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

past form of “court” — make amorous advances towards

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

a female human offspring

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

remove completely from recognition or memory

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

steadfast in affection or allegiance

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

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

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

in a gradual manner

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

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

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

a feeling of jealous envy (especially of a rival)

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

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

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

the force of workers available

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

suggesting an unhealthy mental state

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

and nothing more

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

deliberately deviant

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

in a pompous manner

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

plural of “rival” — the contestant you hope to defeat

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

term of address for a man

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

a state of acute pain

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

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

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

a private conversation between two people

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

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

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

torment emotionally or mentally

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

create by training and teaching

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord

From this reading To see other men admire her was torture, particularly as he had to efface himself and be treated by her father as a faithful vassal.

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

From this reading At least, Sir James talked on the _only_ interesting subject, and Woodville was anxious to know everything about his rivals; for, though he believed in Sylvia's affection, he was subject to acute, almost morbid, attacks of physical jealousy.

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

From this reading As he became more and more confidential in fact, he would grow more and more distant in manner, so that if they began dinner like old friends, they seemed gradually to cool into acquaintances; and at the end of the evening--such an evening!--Woodville felt as if they had barely been introduced, or had met, accidentally, in a railway train.

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

From this reading ARTHUR MERVYN AT HOME Sometimes Sir James would confide in his secretary, and become after dinner--he drank port--pompously communicative on the subject of the alliances his daughter might contract--if she would.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet he courted these _tete-a-tete_ as one perversely courts a certain kind of suffering.