Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

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

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

from appearances alone

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

French physiologist noted for research on secretions of the alimentary canal and the glycogenic function of the liver (1813-1878)

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

the rapid series of noises made by the parts of a machine

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

not accessible to view

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

a table linen made from linen with a damask pattern

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

state emphatically and authoritatively

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

to say again or imitate

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

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

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

third-person singular of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

capable of arousing and holding the attention

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

plural of “fold” — an angular or rounded shape made by folding

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

in a gay manner

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

a young female

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

taking heed; giving close and thoughtful attention

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

plural of “hold” — the act of grasping

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

incapable of physical sensation

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

immediately past

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

the sound of laughing

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

in a joyous manner

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

by chance

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

extremely

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

past form of “reside” — make one's home in a particular place or community

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

-ing form of “retreat” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

possessing material wealth

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

only a very short time before

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

very large in expanse or scope

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

plural of “suburb” — a residential district located on the outskirts of a city

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

superlative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading A twelvemonth has elapsed, since the events recorded in our first chapter.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

in or at the place that

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

which person or people

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading But the last sound of their retreating footsteps, the echo of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard emerges from his retreat, in the enclosure of the window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.

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

From this reading Scarcely heedful of his presence, for he is partly concealed by the thick folds of a rich damask curtain,--or, perhaps, careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a woman-hater; for were he not such, could he have been insensible to the sweetest and most fascinating smiles of beauty?

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I declare, Arthur, it is positively too bad," exclaimed Ella, his sister, a gay and pretty young girl; "you are certainly the most agreeable company in the world.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room of a spacious mansion, in the suburbs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but, in reality, listening to a gay group of young girls, who are chattering merrily with his sister at the other end of the apartment.