Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

consider or hold as true

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

later than; following

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

inflected form of “bid” — propose a payment

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

a process of becoming deeper and more profound

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

(plural) the deepest and most remote part

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

British poet (born in the United States) who won the Nobel prize for literature; his plays are outstanding examples of modern verse drama (1888-1965)

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

past form of “encompass” — include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

past form of “flow” — move or progress freely as if in a stream

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

stop blaming or grant forgiveness

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

inflected form of “forgive” — stop blaming or grant forgiveness

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

set up or found

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

something acquired without compensation

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

someone who devotes himself completely

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

the act of giving

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading He was not of the type to remain a penitent, on his knees indefinitely.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

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

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

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

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

to an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time

From this reading He was not of the type to remain a penitent, on his knees indefinitely.

having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading He was not of the type to remain a penitent, on his knees indefinitely.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

in a skillfully masterful manner; with the skill of a master

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

common to or shared by two or more parties

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was not of the type to remain a penitent, on his knees indefinitely.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He was not of the type to remain a penitent, on his knees indefinitely.

on one occasion

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

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

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

a small contrasting part of something

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

(Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)

From this reading He was not of the type to remain a penitent, on his knees indefinitely.

by chance

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading He was not of the type to remain a penitent, on his knees indefinitely.

the speech act of making something evident

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

of or relating to or involving a sacrament

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

an aromatic ointment used in antiquity

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

inflected form of “stride” — walk with long steps

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

the rays of the sun

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

warm friendly feelings of gratitude

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

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

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading He was not of the type to remain a penitent, on his knees indefinitely.

precisely as stated

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

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

From this reading But afterwards, once that wonderful hour was past, Eliot strode masterfully back into his man's kingdom.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

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

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading A PATCH OF SUNLIGHT The days which followed were very wonderful ones to Ann.

showing curiosity

From this reading Eliot had known how to accept her gift--had taken it with simple thankfulness and a wondering reverence for the shining ways along which a woman's love can lead her, and the hour which they had passed together after Ann had bidden him stay had been, in a sense, sacred--a mutual revelation to each of them of the secret depths in the other's nature.

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

From this reading She had come through darkness into light, out of infinite pain into infinite joy, and perhaps the very fact that in giving herself to Eliot she had forgiven much--forgiven what many women would have found it impossible to forgive--added something precious, some sacramental spikenard, to the gift which flowed back to the giver, deepening the profound sense of peace and happiness which encompassed her.