Chapter XVII

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

later than; following

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

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

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

(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 If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

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

From this reading And thus she had thrown away voluntarily a precious hour.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

filled with wonder and delight

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

a person who seeks the advice of a lawyer

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

resist or confront with resistance

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

extreme fatigue

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

devoid of good sense or judgment

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

characteristic of or befitting a friend

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

someone who listens attentively

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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 If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

a midday meal

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

a particular point in time

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

a form of address for a man

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

not one, and not any

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

flowing profusely

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

free of extraneous elements of any kind

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

snacks and drinks served as a light meal

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

the act of removing

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

express in speech

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

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

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

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

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading And thus she had thrown away voluntarily a precious hour.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading And thus she had thrown away voluntarily a precious hour.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

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

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty

From this reading To-day, in the temporary relief of her mind after pouring out all her troubles--a process which for the moment felt almost like the removal of them--she had become aware of her own exhaustion and need of refreshment and rest.

unusual or unfamiliar

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

out of your own free will

From this reading And thus she had thrown away voluntarily a precious hour.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading She met Susie and Mrs Ainslie at her own gate, and though tired with her walk from the station, stopped to speak to them.

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

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

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

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading If Mrs Ogilvy had been at home, it is almost certain that none of these things could have happened--if she had not been kept so long, if Mr Somerville’s other client had not detained him, and, worst of all, if she had not been beguiled by the unaccustomed relief of a sympathetic listener, a friendly hand held out to help her, to waste that precious hour in taking her luncheon with her old friend.

inclined to yield to argument or influence or control

From this reading That was pure waste--to please him, and in a foolish yielding to those claims of nature which Mrs Ogilvy, like so many women, thought she could defy.