Chapter VIII · The Love of Women

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

react verbally

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

plural of “anticipation” — an expectation

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

plural of “apprehension” — fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

the first light of day

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

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

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

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

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

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

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

United States inventor of firearms (especially automatic pistols and repeating rifles and a machine gun called the Peacemaker) (1855-1926)

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

the state of being imprisoned

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

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

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

true confidential information

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

divisible by two

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

the act of determining that something is false

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

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

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

the act of departing

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

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

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

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

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

an occurrence of something

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

past form of “jump” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

immediately past

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

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

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

English film actress (1913-1967)

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

used to form the superlative

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

as might be expected

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

immediately following in time or order

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

and nothing more

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

a perceptual structure

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

established beyond doubt

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

past form of “punctuate” — insert punctuation marks into

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

the act of choosing or selecting

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

a thing, without saying which

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

plural of “spin” — a swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

carry out

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

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

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

informal terms for clothing

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

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

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."

hard to endure

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

free from deception or illusion

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

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

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

interlace by or as if by weaving

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

at the time that

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

in or at the place that

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

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

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

which person or people

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading E. B. BROWNING, _Aurora Leigh._ (1) How is it that the Fate who spins seems sometimes to take pleasure in falsifying, not only one's anticipations, but even one's apprehensions as to the pattern which her threads will weave?

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

From this reading This reflection, or something like it, was Laurent de Courtomer's next afternoon at Sessignes, where he sat on the window-seat in Aymar's pleasant room.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading The ladies naturally wished to know the details of his friend's captivity and illness, but among these he had been able to exercise selection; and he was certainly not going to undeceive them when they jumped to the conclusion that it was on account of his health that Aymar had been "released."

in the company of; together with

From this reading Things had proved so much less trying than he had feared; supper last night with the two ladies, for instance (Aymar was in his bed), had been punctuated only by questions such as he could answer.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You must have been most miserable To be so cruel."