Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

later than; following

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

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

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading In short, he had brought our letters, and dearly welcome they were.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

with foresight

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

possessive form of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

full of trivial conversation

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

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

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

in a sincere and heartfelt manner

From this reading In short, he had brought our letters, and dearly welcome they were.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

plural of “enclosure” — a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

start firing a weapon

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

culpably involved

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

a terrorist organization founded in 2000; a militant Islamic group active in Kashmir and closely aligned with al-Rashid Trust; seeks to secure release of imprisoned fellow militants by kidnappings

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

time available for ease and relaxation

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

the literary culture

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

not any; not one

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

and nothing more

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

by chance

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

a note appended to a letter after the signature

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

plural of “residence” — any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

German romantic writer (1759-1805)

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading In short, he had brought our letters, and dearly welcome they were.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

plural of “spare” — an extra component of a machine or other apparatus

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading I read my father's first; the others were sure to be tender and chatty, and I could enjoy them at leisure.

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

From this reading In short, he had brought our letters, and dearly welcome they were.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading I had three; one from my father, one from my mother (with a postscript by Jem), and a long one from Charlie.

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

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

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

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

accept gladly

From this reading In short, he had brought our letters, and dearly welcome they were.

a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions

From this reading "Die Welt kann dir nichts darbieten, was sie von dir nicht empfinge."--SCHILLER, _Der Menschenfeind_.

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

From this reading In short, he had brought our letters, and dearly welcome they were.

widely circulated or diffused

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

in the company of; together with

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.

the words that are spoken

From this reading After Alister had done the captain's business, he made his way to the post-office and got our letters, thinking, as he cannily observed, that in widespread misfortunes the big are implicated with the little, that fire spares public buildings no more than private residences, and that if the post-office was overtaken by the flames, we might lose not only words of affection, but perhaps enclosures of value.