Chapter XIV · The Betrothal

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

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

European herb somewhat resembling celery widely naturalized in Britain coastal regions and often cultivated as a potherb

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

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

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

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

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

in addition to; as well as

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)

From this reading Rupert looked a trifle surprised at this declaration.

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

a man who is a native or inhabitant of England

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

-ing form of “expect” — regard something as probable or likely

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

opinion or judgment

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

in a free manner

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

characteristic of or befitting a friend

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

Irish mathematician (1806-1865)

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

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

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

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

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Rupert looked a trifle surprised at this declaration.

possessive form of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

a form of address for a man

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

being in opposition or having an opponent

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

an attack that penetrates into enemy territory

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

express the need or desire for

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

English leader (born in Germany) of the Royalist forces during the English Civil War (1619-1682)

From this reading Rupert looked a trifle surprised at this declaration.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

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

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading Rupert looked a trifle surprised at this declaration.

express in words

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

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

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading Rupert looked a trifle surprised at this declaration.

precisely as stated

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

past form of “warn” — notify of danger, potential harm, or risk

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

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

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

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

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

at the time that

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

during the time that

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading And now I will confess to you freely that I was very much opposed to the idea of having Virgie become the wife of an Englishman.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading “A mother’s eyes are very sharp,” the lady resumed, “and it has not required much penetration to see that you were learning to regard my Virgie with more than friendly affection; besides, Mr. Knight told me of the conversation that he had with you at San Jose, and warned me of what I might expect when you returned to New York.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Mr. Hamilton,” she said, as he concluded, “to be frank with you, I must tell you that I have been expecting a request of this nature from you.”

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Mrs. Alexander smiled at the young lover’s ardor, while she regarded his handsome, earnest face with a look almost of affection.