used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
anew
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
Extreme physical or mental suffering; intense anguish.
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
Alroyd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
aunt'snounUS /ænts/
possessive form of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
auntienounUS /ˈænti/
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
have
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
calmnessnounUS /ˈkɑːmnəs/
steadiness of mind under stress
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
convulsivelyadverb
with convulsions, in a convulsive way
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
Dora
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
embraceverbUS /emˈbreɪs/
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
failingnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
faithlessnessnoun
unfaithfulness by virtue of being unreliable or treacherous
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
fataladjectiveUS /ˈfeɪtəl/
bringing death
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
fiercelyadverbUS /ˈfɪrsli/
in a physically fierce manner
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
fondnessnounUS /ˈfɑːndnəs/
a predisposition to like something
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
in a gradual manner
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
heart-strings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
icyadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsi/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
past form of “kiss” — touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
feeling or showing love and affection
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
a woman of refinement
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
miserablyadverbUS /ˈmɪzərəbli/
in a miserable manner
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
niecenounUS /niːs/
a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
not any; not one
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
a brief written record
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
and nothing more
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
paler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
petnounUS /pet/
a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
with low volume
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
Robert'snounUS /ˈrɑːbərts/
possessive form of “robert” — United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
soothingadjectiveUS /ˈsuːðɪŋ/
affording physical relief
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
subsidedverbUS /səbˈsaɪdɪd/
past form of “subside” — wear off or die down
From this reading So the subject was dropped, for madam knew she could bear it better if let alone, and so she said no more, and Dora subsided into her icy calmness again.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
tenderlyadverbUS /ˈtendərli/
with tenderness; in a tender manner
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
hard to endure
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
tuggingverbUS /ˈtʌɡɪŋ/
inflected form of “tug” — pull hard
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
wanadjectiveUS /wɑːn/
(of light) lacking in intensity or brightness; dim or feeble
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Madame Alroyd and her niece were sitting quietly in their room, the morning after the reception of that fatal note.
at the time that
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
a Caucasian
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
withdrewverbUS /wɪθˈdruː/
inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading But Dora gently withdrew from her aunt’s fond embrace, with a low, “Please don’t, auntie!” while her face grew a shade paler, and she caught her breath convulsively.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Not a word was spoken about Robert’s faithlessness; only when they met that morning, madam had taken Dora tenderly in her arms, kissed her, and murmured some loving and soothing words of fondness, and calling her by all the pet names she had at her command.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Both were trying to busy themselves about some light fancy work, to drive away the agony that was tugging so fiercely at their heart-strings, and failing most miserably, as their white, wan faces plainly showed.
