Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

a mountain range in northeastern New York State; a popular resort area

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

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

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

for the reason that

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

past form of “commend” — express approval of

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

causing one to believe the truth of something

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

determined or actuated by emotion rather than reason

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

plural of “enjoyment” — the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

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

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

divisible by two

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

the trait of being willing to give your money or time

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

the act of giving

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

only a very short time before

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

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

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

to an immeasurable degree; beyond measurement

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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 It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

and nothing more

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

a particular point in time

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

win a victory over

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

like better; value more highly

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

the possibility of future success

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

that has been withdrawn or retreated from

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

not used up

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

Identical; not different.

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

in a serious manner

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

the quality or attribute of being firm and steadfast

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading Europe, empty of his presence, would have been in her eyes a desert; and that any grouping of mountains or arrangement of buildings could offer the slightest temptation beside the promised month in the Adirondacks appeared to her as entirely beyond the question.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

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

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading It was not that he wanted in the very least to go; he felt merely that he ought to have been seriously commended because he stayed away.

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

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

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

From this reading If the truth were told he did immeasurably prefer the prospect of a summer spent by her side, but he felt at the same time--though he hardly admitted this even to himself--that in remaining in America he was giving up a good deal of his ordinary physical enjoyments.

at the time that

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Since he had never relinquished so much as a day's pleasure for any woman in the past, he was almost overcome by appreciation of his present generosity.

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

From this reading THE FEET OF THE GOD When Kemper, in an emotional moment, had declared that he would give up his trip to Europe, he had expected that Laura would see in the sacrifice a convincing proof of the stability of his affection; but, to his surprise, she had accepted the suggestion as a shade too much in the natural order of events.