100 words to know before reading Jane Eyre

1. A historic circuit court in medieval England.
2. A term referring to a journey or circuit, especially by a judge.

he will accept the tribute of a total stranger—I have dedicated this second edition of Jane Eyre. Currer Bell. December 21st, 1847.

1. Indirectly suggested or hinted at something.
2. Referred to something in a passing or casual manner.

edge of the summer-cloud does to the electric death-spark hid in its womb. Finally, I have alluded to Mr. Thackeray, because to him—if he will accept the tribute of a total stranger—I have

1. As a result; therefore.
2. Following as an effect or outcome.

(a clergyman, an excellent man, almost worthy of such a wife) to a distant county, and consequently was lost to me. From the day she left I was no longer the same: with her was gone every settled

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

I There was no possibility of taking a walk that day. We had been wandering, indeed, in the leafless shrubbery an hour in the morning; but since dinner (Mrs. Reed, when there was no

1. A piece of fabric hung to cover a window or divide a room.
2. A barrier or screen used in theaters to conceal the stage.

is not here: tell mama she is run out into the rain—bad animal!” “It is well I drew the curtain,” thought I; and I wished fervently he might not discover my hiding-place: nor would John Reed

1. The male superior or head of an abbey of monks.
2. A title given to the head of certain monasteries in Christianity.

thing for me, and a circumstance which greatly strengthened the bad opinion Bessie and Miss Abbot were disposed to entertain of me. The fact is, I was a trifle beside myself; or rather out of

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

crushing, but only half intelligible. Miss Abbot joined in— “And you ought not to think yourself on an equality with the Misses Reed and Master Reed, because Missis kindly allows you to be

1. Uncommon in occurrence or experience.

before it; and looking, as I thought, like a pale throne. This room was chill, because it seldom had a fire; it was silent, because remote from the nursery and kitchen; solemn, because it was

1. A cylinder of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light.
2. A unit of luminous intensity.

will go into it at night, if they can help it; and it was cruel to shut me up alone without a candle—so cruel that I think I shall never forget it.” “Nonsense! And is it that makes you so

1. A historical term for a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs.
2. A pharmacy or drugstore, especially in earlier times.

have been), I scrutinised the face of the gentleman: I knew him; it was Mr. Lloyd, an apothecary, sometimes called in by Mrs. Reed when the servants were ailing: for herself and the children she

1. A small pastry with a sweet or savory filling.
2. Sharp or sour in taste.

excite them agreeably. Bessie had been down into the kitchen, and she brought up with her a tart on a certain brightly painted china plate, whose bird of paradise, nestling in a wreath of

1. A child whose parents are deceased or absent.
2. A first line of a paragraph appearing alone at the bottom of a page (printing).

are wild; Soon will the twilight close moonless and dreary Over the path of the poor orphan child. Why did they send me so far and so lonely, Up where the moors spread and grey rocks are

1. A floor covering of thick woven material or animal skin.
2. A small carpet, often decorative.

his person in the armchair opposite Mrs. Reed’s. “Come here,” he said. I stepped across the rug; he placed me square and straight before him. What a face he had, now that it was almost on a

1. Misbehaving or disobedient, especially in a playful way.
2. Mildly indecent or suggestive in a humorous manner.

I knew well enough; but I did not stir; her light step came tripping down the path. “You naughty little thing!” she said. “Why don’t you come when you are called?” Bessie’s presence, compared

1. A woman who gives help, money, or support to a person or cause.
2. A female benefactor; someone who provides benefits or assistance.

“Benefactress! benefactress!” said I inwardly: “they all call Mrs. Reed my benefactress; if so, a benefactress is a disagreeable thing.” “Do you say your prayers night and morning?”

1. Sacred songs or hymns, especially from the biblical Book of Psalms.
2. Poetic religious verses used in worship or prayer.

to eat or a verse of a Psalm to learn, he says: ‘Oh! the verse of a Psalm! angels sing Psalms;’ says he, ‘I wish to be a little angel here below;’ he then gets two nuts in recompense for his

1. A piece of fabric worn over the shoulders or head for warmth or fashion.
2. A large rectangular or square cloth draped around the body.

uprooting my bad propensities. Next day, by noon, I was up and dressed, and sat wrapped in a shawl by the nursery hearth. I felt physically weak and broken down: but my worse ailment was an

1. A roofed platform along the outside of a house, level with the ground floor.
2. An open-air gallery or porch, often partly enclosed.

active games, but sundry pale and thin ones herded together for shelter and warmth in the verandah; and amongst these, as the dense mist penetrated to their shivering frames, I heard frequently

1. The craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a needle and thread.
2. The act or process of working with fabric to create or repair garments or other items.

he departed. Mrs. Reed and I were left alone: some minutes passed in silence; she was sewing, I was watching her. Mrs. Reed might be at that time some six or seven and thirty; she was a

1. Students in a school or under a teacher's guidance.
2. The dark circular openings in the center of the eyes that regulate light entry.

Mr. Brocklehurst. “Humility is a Christian grace, and one peculiarly appropriate to the pupils of Lowood; I, therefore, direct that especial care shall be bestowed on its cultivation amongst

1. A fine-grained rock used for roofing and writing surfaces.
2. A list of candidates for election or appointment.

eye upon me; I knew it was all over now, and, as I stooped to pick up the two fragments of slate, I rallied my forces for the worst. It came. “A careless girl!” said Mr. Brocklehurst, and

1. A student in school or under a teacher's guidance.
2. The dark circular opening in the center of the iris of the eye.

sense of liberty. On the evening of the day on which I had seen Miss Scatcherd flog her pupil, Burns, I wandered as usual among the forms and tables and laughing groups without a companion,

1. Having a twisted or spiral shape.
2. Formed into ringlets or coils.

replied Miss Temple, very quietly. “Julia Severn, ma’am! And why has she, or any other, curled hair? Why, in defiance of every precept and principle of this house, does she conform to the

1. Before (archaic or poetic)
2. In the presence of (archaic)

exact tale. People think you a good woman, but you are bad, hard-hearted. You are deceitful!” Ere I had finished this reply, my soul began to expand, to exult, with the strangest sense of

1. The part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hairline.
2. The front or forward part of something.

and bound it like a phylactery round Helen’s large, mild, intelligent, and benign-looking forehead. She wore it till evening, patient, unresentful, regarding it as a deserved punishment. The

1. A flat, shallow container used for holding or carrying items.
2. A removable storage compartment in electronic devices.

I knew not what, arranged thereon, and a pitcher of water and mug in the middle of each tray. The portions were handed round; those who liked took a draught of the water, the mug being

1. A gesture of summons or command (e.g., at someone's beck and call).
2. A small brook or stream (Northern English dialect).

prospect of noble summits girdling a great hill-hollow, rich in verdure and shadow; in a bright beck, full of dark stones and sparkling eddies. How different had this scene looked when I viewed it

1. A baby's bed with high sides.
2. A framework used to support or strengthen structures.

the stair, swept me like a whirlwind into the nursery, and crushing me down on the edge of my crib, dared me in an emphatic voice to rise from that place, or utter one syllable during the

1. A light, open carriage with two wheels and a folding top, drawn by one horse.
2. A long reclining chair or daybed for relaxation.

of wheels and a splashing tramp of horse-hoofs became audible on the wet gravel. A post-chaise was approaching. “What can possess him to come home in that style?” said Miss Ingram. “He rode

1. A county or administrative region in England (e.g., Yorkshire).
2. A breed of large, strong draft horse originating from England.

would have been held tolerably comprehensive). “Address, J. E., Post-office, Lowton, ——shire.” This document remained locked in my drawer all day: after tea, I asked leave of the new

1. Having a dignified, impressive, or grand appearance.
2. Characterized by formal or ceremonious dignity.

wished to have rosy cheeks, a straight nose, and small cherry mouth; I desired to be tall, stately, and finely developed in figure; I felt it a misfortune that I was so little, so pale, and had

1. Sought knowledge or details.
2. Made a formal request or investigation.

was Mr. Rochester in her eyes; a gentleman, a landed proprietor—nothing more: she inquired and searched no further, and evidently wondered at my wish to gain a more definite notion of his

1. A title of respect for a woman, equivalent to "Mrs." or "Madam."
2. Used to address or refer to a woman in a formal or polite manner.

her name as you do.” “Miss Scatcherd is hasty—you must take care not to offend her; Madame Pierrot is not a bad sort of person.” “But Miss Temple is the best—isn’t she?” “Miss Temple is

1. A loose outer garment without sleeves, worn over other clothing.
2. Something that hides or covers, like a disguise or concealment.

I can remember Miss Temple walking lightly and rapidly along our drooping line, her plaid cloak, which the frosty wind fluttered, gathered close about her, and encouraging us, by precept and

1. Dried grass used as animal fodder.
2. A small amount, especially of money (informal).

above me sat the rising moon; pale yet as a cloud, but brightening momentarily, she looked over Hay, which, half lost in trees, sent up a blue smoke from its few chimneys: it was yet a mile

1. A fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs.
2. A means of protection or defense against financial loss.

where no cattle now browsed; and the little brown birds, which stirred occasionally in the hedge, looked like single russet leaves that had forgotten to drop. This lane inclined uphill all the

1. A set of steps or rungs for climbing over a fence or wall.
2. A vertical piece in a panel or frame, as in a door or window.

was coming; the windings of the lane yet hid it, but it approached. I was just leaving the stile; yet, as the path was narrow, I sat still to let it go by. In those days I was young, and all

1. A raised road or path across low or wet ground.
2. A paved or surfaced walkway, often along a shore or embankment.

hill, sunny horizon, and blended clouds where tint melts into tint. The din was on the causeway: a horse was coming; the windings of the lane yet hid it, but it approached. I was just leaving

1. A shape-shifting spirit from English folklore, often appearing as a horse or dog to mislead travelers.
2. Sometimes associated with malevolent intentions, leading people astray or into danger.

the dumb carcasses of beasts, could scarce covet shelter in the commonplace human form. No Gytrash was this—only a traveller taking the shortcut to Millcote. He passed, and I went on; a few

1. Located on a lower floor of a building.
2. Toward or on a lower floor.

“grant me at least a new servitude!” Here a bell, ringing the hour of supper, called me downstairs. I was not free to resume the interrupted chain of my reflections till bedtime: even then a

1. A gift or present, often given on special occasions.
2. (French) The word for "gift" or "present" in French.

for making a request in my favour, cried out— “N’est-ce pas, monsieur, qu’il y a un cadeau pour Mademoiselle Eyre dans votre petit coffre?”9 “Who talks of cadeaux?”10 said he gruffly. “Did

1. A collection of financial investments like stocks and bonds.
2. A range of products or services offered by a company.

“Then I will say nothing, and you shall judge for yourself, sir.” I brought the portfolio from the library. “Approach the table,” said he; and I wheeled it to his couch. Adèle and Mrs.

1. The distance or measurement from side to side; width.
2. Wide range or extent of something.

details were not apparent, but I traced the general points of middle height and considerable breadth of chest. He had a dark face, with stern features and a heavy brow; his eyes and gathered

1. To praise someone excessively, often insincerely.
2. To make someone feel pleased or honored.

Now, when any vicious simpleton excites my disgust by his paltry ribaldry, I cannot flatter myself that I am better than he: I am forced to confess that he and I are on a level. I wish I

1. Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
2. A feeling of sorrow or repentance for past actions.

wish I had stood firm—God knows I do! Dread remorse when you are tempted to err, Miss Eyre; remorse is the poison of life.” “Repentance is said to be its cure, sir.” “It is not its cure.

1. A platform projecting from the wall of a building, enclosed by a railing or parapet.
2. An upper level in a theater or auditorium with seating.

I ventured to recall him to the point whence he had abruptly diverged— “Did you leave the balcony, sir,” I asked, “when Mdlle. Varens entered?” I almost expected a rebuff for this hardly

1. A person's face or facial expression.
2. Support or approval of something.

eyes, and a pale and large forehead; her figure was partly enveloped in a shawl, her countenance was grave, her bearing erect. “The child is very young to be sent alone,” said she, putting her

1. To go and bring back something.
2. To retrieve data or information.

for if you don’t repent, something bad might be permitted to come down the chimney and fetch you away.” They went, shutting the door, and locking it behind them. The red-room was a square

1. Plural of "pane," meaning a single sheet of glass in a window or door.
2. Sections or divisions within a window or display.

Folds of scarlet drapery shut in my view to the right hand; to the left were the clear panes of glass, protecting, but not separating me from the drear November day. At intervals, while

1. A surname of English origin.
2. A variant of the name "Ingraham."

dressed; most of them—at least most of the younger ones—looked handsome; but Miss Ingram was certainly the queen.” “And what was she like?” “Tall, fine bust, sloping shoulders; long,

1. From that place or time; from there.
2. As a result or consequence; therefore.

fever had fulfilled its mission of devastation at Lowood, it gradually disappeared from thence; but not till its virulence and the number of its victims had drawn public attention on the

1. Without conscious control or intention.
2. Done against one's will or without choice.

circumstance a fiery glow which suddenly rose to my face. Why my hand shook, and why I involuntarily spilt half the contents of my cup into my saucer, I did not choose to consider. “Well, I

1. A smooth, glossy fabric with a soft, lustrous surface, typically made from silk, polyester, or nylon.
2. A weave pattern that produces a shiny, smooth texture on one side of the fabric.

of rosebuds circled her forehead; her feet were dressed in silk stockings and small white satin sandals. “Est-ce que ma robe va bien?” cried she, bounding forwards; “et mes souliers? et mes

1. A bowl-shaped container for holding liquids or washing items.
2. A natural depression in the Earth's surface, often holding water.

I was one of the last to go out, and in passing the tables, I saw one teacher take a basin of the porridge and taste it; she looked at the others; all their countenances expressed

1. Drove back or away; resisted successfully.
2. Caused strong dislike or disgust.

Ingram and Lynn sought solace in a quiet game at cards. Blanche Ingram, after having repelled, by supercilious taciturnity, some efforts of Mrs. Dent and Mrs. Eshton to draw her into

1. A member of the Romani people, traditionally nomadic.
2. A person who leads a wandering or unconventional lifestyle.

to return till late. The afternoon was wet: a walk the party had proposed to take to see a gipsy camp, lately pitched on a common beyond Hay, was consequently deferred. Some of the gentlemen

1. A type of hat tied under the chin, typically worn by women and children.
2. The hinged metal cover over the engine of a motor vehicle (British English).

of the whole school. The order was now given “To the garden!” Each put on a coarse straw bonnet, with strings of coloured calico, and a cloak of grey frieze. I was similarly equipped, and,

1. Barely; almost not at all.
2. Only just; by a very small margin.

I should not like to go a begging.” “Would you like to go to school?” Again I reflected: I scarcely knew what school was: Bessie sometimes spoke of it as a place where young ladies sat in the

1. A level or floor within a building.
2. A horizontal division of a structure, often used to describe height.

and handsome. The large front chambers I thought especially grand: and some of the third-storey rooms, though dark and low, were interesting from their air of antiquity. The furniture once

1. A porous, absorbent material used for cleaning or washing.
2. A marine animal with a soft, porous body.

to leave you in this room with this gentleman, for an hour, or perhaps two hours: you will sponge the blood as I do when it returns: if he feels faint, you will put the glass of water on that

1. A substance like yeast used to make dough rise.
2. To add leaven to dough.

said Bessie directly. “Then you are married, Bessie?” “Yes; nearly five years since to Robert Leaven, the coachman; and I’ve a little girl besides Bobby there, that I’ve christened Jane.” “And you

1. A thin, crinkled fabric, often made of silk or wool, used for clothing or mourning attire.
2. A variant spelling of "crepe," referring to a type of pancake or thin, wrinkled material.

he was dressed in deep mourning, and the hat he held in his hand was surrounded with a crape band. “I daresay you hardly remember me, Miss,” he said, rising as I entered; “but my name is

1. To look steadily and intently, often with curiosity or admiration.
2. A fixed or intent look.

and I had been looking the same length of time at him, when, turning suddenly, he caught my gaze fastened on his physiognomy. “You examine me, Miss Eyre,” said he: “do you think me handsome?” I

1. A piece of fabric worn to cover the face or head.
2. Something that conceals or obscures.

he and she were the first of the party. Her purple riding-habit almost swept the ground, her veil streamed long on the breeze; mingling with its transparent folds, and gleaming through them,

1. A religious community of nuns living under vows.
2. The building or buildings occupied by such a community.

Lowood, is a parson, is he not?” “Yes, sir.” “And you girls probably worshipped him, as a convent full of religieuses would worship their director.” “Oh, no.” “You are very cool! No! What! a

1. A small establishment providing lodging, food, and drink (often in a rural setting).
2. A tavern or pub.

you see a room in the George Inn at Millcote, with such large figured papering on the walls as inn rooms have; such a carpet, such furniture, such ornaments on the mantelpiece, such prints,

1. A piece of land planted with fruit trees.
2. A garden or grove where trees are cultivated for food production.

the sun was just entering the dappled east, and his light illumined the wreathed and dewy orchard trees and shone down the quiet walks under them. “Jane, will you have a flower?” He gathered a

1. A small, brownish songbird known for its melodious nocturnal singing.
2. A person who sings beautifully, especially at night.

cigar. I look round and I listen. I see trees laden with ripening fruit. I hear a nightingale warbling in a wood half a mile off; no moving form is visible, no coming step audible; but that

1. A French term for an unmarried woman or girl, equivalent to "Miss" in English.
2. A title of respect used before the name of an unmarried French-speaking woman.

I had little beds in another place. I nearly fell out of mine; it was like a shelf. And Mademoiselle—what is your name?” “Eyre—Jane Eyre.” “Aire? Bah! I cannot say it. Well, our ship stopped in

1. A tiny spot or mark.
2. A small particle or fragment.

my neck in terror, and almost strangled me; at last I gained the summit. I saw you like a speck on a white track, lessening every moment. The blast blew so strong I could not stand. I sat down

1. The main branches of a tree.
2. Large limbs or offshoots from a tree trunk.

windows; little birds were just twittering in the blossom-blanched orchard trees, whose boughs drooped like white garlands over the wall enclosing one side of the yard; the carriage horses

1. Dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing.
2. Causing sadness or gloom.

eating or drinking more, and letting myself die. What a consternation of soul was mine that dreary afternoon! How all my brain was in tumult, and all my heart in insurrection! Yet in what

1. A male member of the clergy, such as a priest, minister, or pastor.
2. An ordained religious leader in a Christian church.

to be shirked, must be firmly sustained. “My dear children,” pursued the black marble clergyman, with pathos, “this is a sad, a melancholy occasion; for it becomes my duty to warn you, that

1. A person employed to keep records or accounts in an office.
2. A sales assistant in a store.

the quiet and humble temple; the priest waited in his white surplice at the lowly altar, the clerk beside him. All was still: two shadows only moved in a remote corner. My conjecture had been

1. A loose white linen vestment worn by clergy and choristers.
2. A knee-length tunic with wide sleeves, often worn over a cassock.

path to the porch. We entered the quiet and humble temple; the priest waited in his white surplice at the lowly altar, the clerk beside him. All was still: two shadows only moved in a remote

1. An obstacle or hindrance that slows progress.
2. A speech disorder, such as a stutter.

when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed), that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it; for be ye well

1. A large, loose-fitting cloak or cape worn by women in the 19th century.
2. A type of wide, round collar popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

men may bear. Cheer up, Dick!—never fear me!—I’d almost as soon strike a woman as you. Bertha Mason is mad; and she came of a mad family; idiots and maniacs through three generations! Her

1. Intense physical or mental suffering.
2. Extreme distress or pain.

in some degree, to break bounds; for nothing could soften in my recollection the spasm of agony which clutched my heart when Mrs. Reed spurned my wild supplication for pardon, and locked me a

1. The state of being alone without companions.
2. A peaceful or isolated place.

and vault-like air pervaded the stairs and gallery, suggesting cheerless ideas of space and solitude; and I was glad, when finally ushered into my chamber, to find it of small dimensions, and

1. A woman in a position of authority or control.
2. A woman having an extramarital sexual relationship with a married man.

at the same moment the carriage was heard rolling up the gravel-walk. “Is that your mistress, nurse?” asked Mr. Lloyd. “I should like to speak to her before I go.” Bessie invited him to walk

1. Extremely ugly or unpleasant to look at.
2. Morally offensive or shocking.

said he, “I wish I were in a quiet island with only you; and trouble, and danger, and hideous recollections removed from me.” “Can I help you, sir?—I’d give my life to serve you.” “Jane, if

1. A feeling of hopelessness or deep sadness.
2. The complete loss or absence of hope.

There was nothing to cool or banish love in these circumstances, though much to create despair. Much too, you will think, reader, to engender jealousy: if a woman, in my position, could

1. A small village or settlement, typically in a rural area.
2. The protagonist in Shakespeare's play *Hamlet*.

there it must remain; and now, I am absolutely destitute. Whitcross is no town, nor even a hamlet; it is but a stone pillar set up where four roads meet: whitewashed, I suppose, to be more

1. An area of open, uncultivated land, often with poor drainage and covered with heather or grass.
2. To secure a boat or ship by attaching it to a fixed object with ropes or anchors.

they stretch out east, west, north, and south—white, broad, lonely; they are all cut in the moor, and the heather grows deep and wild to their very verge. Yet a chance traveller might pass by;

1. An area of open uncultivated land with poor soil, typically covered with low shrubs.
2. A small flowering shrub, especially of the genus Erica.

the blue peaks; it was those I longed to surmount; all within their boundary of rock and heath seemed prison-ground, exile limits. I traced the white road winding round the base of one

1. A steep or rugged cliff or rock face.
2. A projecting piece of rock.

granite crag in a hidden angle, I sat down under it. High banks of moor were about me; the crag protected my head: the sky was over that. Some time passed before I felt tranquil even here: I

1. A small square of cloth used for wiping the nose or face.
2. A decorative piece of fabric carried as an accessory.

at her narrowly as she emerged from the book-closet; she was just putting back her handkerchief into her pocket, and the trace of a tear glistened on her thin cheek. The play-hour in the

1. A room for receiving guests or customers, often in a home or business.
2. A shop or business offering specific services, like a beauty parlour or ice cream parlour.

that was all I said; whereat she half laughed, half cried, and we both went into the parlour. By the fire stood a little fellow of three years old, in plaid frock and trousers. “That is my

1. Having a strong desire to succeed or achieve something.
2. Requiring great effort or skill; challenging.

know I am: but how did you find it out?” “I was speaking of myself.” “Well, if you are not ambitious, you are—” He paused. “What?” “I was going to say, impassioned: but perhaps you would have

1. A small, simple house, typically in a rural or semi-rural area.
2. A vacation home, often in a scenic location.

French and drawing. I learned the first two tenses of the verb Etre, and sketched my first cottage (whose walls, by the by, outrivalled in slope those of the leaning tower of Pisa), on the same

1. A valley (often used in place names).
2. Farewell (archaic or poetic term for goodbye).

its head towards her horn, rising over Hay-hill: it told me of the alabaster cave and silver vale where we might live. I said I should like to go; but reminded it, as you did me, that I had no

1. In the middle of; surrounded by.
2. During; at a time when something else is happening.

awaited those who had courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils. I went to my window, opened it, and looked out. There were the two wings of the

1. To voluntarily give up or let go of something.
2. To surrender or yield control or possession.

wife? No!” “But you need not be a missionary. You might relinquish that scheme.” “Relinquish! What! my vocation? My great work? My foundation laid on earth for a mansion in heaven? My hopes

1. A narrow valley, typically with a stream running through it.
2. A secluded or peaceful area, often surrounded by hills or woods.

obedience to St. John’s directions; and in ten minutes I was treading the wild track of the glen, side by side with him. The breeze was from the west: it came over the hills, sweet with scents

1. Serious and dignified in manner or behavior.
2. Deeply sincere or earnest.

society. This, par parenthèse,6 will be thought cool language by persons who entertain solemn doctrines about the angelic nature of children, and the duty of those charged with their

1. From what place or source (adverb).
2. From which (relative adverb).

principle of light and thought, pure as when it left the Creator to inspire the creature: whence it came it will return; perhaps again to be communicated to some being higher than man—perhaps

1. Defensive walls on top of a fort or castle, with gaps for shooting.
2. Parapets with alternating raised and lowered sections for protection.

not vast, though considerable: a gentleman’s manor-house, not a nobleman’s seat: battlements round the top gave it a picturesque look. Its grey front stood out well from the background of a

1. (adjective) Empty, barren, or devoid of life.
2. (adjective) Feeling or showing loneliness or despair.

the rock standing up alone in a sea of billow and spray; to the broken boat stranded on a desolate coast; to the cold and ghastly moon glancing through bars of cloud at a wreck just sinking. I

1. A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
2. An event or circumstance that causes sadness or grief.

love and blissful union.” This prediction was but half fulfilled: I did not indeed dream of sorrow, but as little did I dream of joy; for I never slept at all. With little Adèle in my arms, I

1. Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
2. Forceful or intense in action or effort.

flowed, from what source I cannot tell. Has a girl of fourteen a heart large enough, vigorous enough, to hold the swelling spring of pure, full, fervid eloquence? Such was the characteristic