100 words to know before reading Short Fiction by Saki

1. A large and important church, typically the principal church of a diocese.
2. The official seat of a bishop, containing his throne.

But when morning came there floated up to him, through the noise and bustle of the Cathedral world, a faint heart-aching message from the prisoner in the wicker cage far below. And every

1. Birds of the family Columbidae, known for their stout bodies and short necks.
2. Domesticated or wild birds often used for racing, messaging, or as pets.

song of hunger and longing and hopelessness, a cry that could never be answered. The pigeons remarked, between mealtimes, that the figure leaned forward more than ever out of the

1. A small house or cabin, often in a rural or natural setting.
2. A local branch of a society or organization.

toppled from its cornice and lay now in a broken mass on the dust-heap outside the verger’s lodge. “It is just as well,” cooed the fat pigeons, after they had peered at the matter for some

1. A small, long-armed ape native to Southeast Asia, known for its agility in trees.
2. A term used humorously or derogatorily to describe a foolish or clumsy person.

Dogged Artemus Gibbon was, by nature and inclination, blameless and respectable, and under happier circumstances the

1. A small, energetic dog breed originally bred for hunting.
2. A member of the Territorial Army in the UK.

In a conflict between their respective will powers, the man inevitably succumbed to the fox terrier, and, when the dinner-hour exposed the bachelor’s sitting room to the observation of a

1. A prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute between individuals or groups.
2. A state of mutual hostility, often lasting for generations.

The Blood-Feud of Toad-Water A West-Country Epic The Cricks lived at Toad-Water; and in the same lonely upland

1. A tailless amphibian with dry, warty skin, typically living on land.
2. A person regarded as unpleasant or contemptible (informal).

The Blood-Feud of Toad-Water A West-Country Epic The Cricks lived at Toad-Water; and in the same lonely upland spot Fate

1. A painful muscle spasm, especially in the neck or back.
2. A small stream or brook (chiefly British dialect).

came—came, as such things mostly do come, with seeming aimlessness and triviality. One of the Crick hens, in obedience to the nomadic instincts of her kind, wearied of her legitimate

1. Female chickens, especially those raised for egg production.
2. Adult female birds of various species.

was applied. Nor was she, on her part, surprised at Mrs. Crick’s conduct in letting her hens stray into other body’s gardens, and then abusing of them, seeing as how she remembered things

1. A term used to refer to a woman, often informally or derogatorily.
2. In gambling slang, a term for a female.

of seedling onions. Little showers of earth-mould and root-fibres went spraying before the hen and behind her, and every minute the area of her operations widened. The onions suffered

1. A bird, especially a domesticated one like a chicken, duck, or turkey.
2. Birds collectively, especially those hunted or kept for food.

or hunted the wild grey pigs in their lairs and added to his notes on Central Asian game-fowl, Dobrinton and the lady discussed the ethics of desert respectability from points of view that

1. An angry argument or disagreement.
2. A short, heavy arrow used with a crossbow.

permeating and permanent. The male heads of the families were necessarily drawn into the quarrel, and the children on either side were forbidden to have anything to do with the unhallowed

1. A mischievous, ugly creature in folklore, often depicted as small and grotesque.
2. A term used to describe a person with a greedy or unpleasant nature.

The Saint and the Goblin The little stone Saint occupied a retired niche in a side aisle of the old cathedral. No one

1. A person one knows slightly but not as a close friend.
2. Knowledge or experience of something.

look at them if one is bored with one’s surroundings, or wants to avoid an imminent acquaintance.” “Even that doesn’t always save one. There is the inevitable female whom you met once in

1. A spoken or written comment or observation.
2. To notice or observe something.

here, wrought up by the environment of festive piety, Mrs. Saunders so far unbent as to remark guardedly to Mrs. Crick that the evening had been a fine one. Mrs. Crick, under the influence of

1. A priest in the Anglican Church responsible for a parish.
2. A representative or deputy acting on behalf of someone else.

world of unknown human beings, and Alethia rather wished that she could have taken the vicar with her; she was not, however, rich or important enough to travel with a chaplain, as the

1. Packages or bundles of goods for transport or delivery.
2. Divisions of land, often for sale or ownership.

Judkin of the Parcels A figure in an indefinite tweed suit, carrying brown-paper parcels. That is what we met suddenly,

1. A horse with a coat of mixed colors, typically white hairs interspersed with another color.
2. A type of leather made from sheepskin or goatskin, often used for bookbinding.

parcels. That is what we met suddenly, at the bend of a muddy Dorsetshire lane, and the roan mare stared and obviously thought of a curtsey. The mare is road-shy, with intervals of

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.

And by that least little bit she measured the deeps and eternities of her thraldom to fact. Madame was not best pleased at being contradicted on a professional matter, and when Madame lost her

1. A formal reception or court held by an Indian prince or ruler.
2. A public audience or levee, especially in historical Indian contexts.

“but I don’t mind reading you bits of it. It begins with a general dispersal of the Durbar participants: ‘Back to their homes in Himalayan heights The stale pale elephants of Cutch Behar

1. A clergy member who provides spiritual guidance in institutions like hospitals or the military.
2. A religious leader attached to a private chapel, institution, or family.

hurriedly, ‘Shall I play to diamonds, partner?’ It didn’t improve matters when the senior chaplain remarked dreamily but with painful distinctness, ‘Double diamonds.’ Everyone looked at the

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

casings of tweed and half-wool. As the unravelled mouse gave a wild leap to the floor, the rug, slipping its fastening at either end, also came down with a heart-curdling flop, and almost

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

There may have been disillusionments in the lives of the medieval saints, but they would scarcely have been better pleased if they could have foreseen that their names would be associated

1. Absorbing or soaking up liquid, often with a paper or cloth.
2. Removing or covering marks, stains, or mistakes.

two hundred yards she began to feel that her tea was of more immediate importance than my blotting-paper. “What do you want blotting-paper for?” she asked suddenly. I explained patiently. “I use

1. The former currency of France, replaced by the euro in 2002.
2. A monetary unit in several other countries, such as Switzerland.

better, knew that he had died of grief. There arose the problem of what to do with his two francs. To have killed Laploshka was one thing; to have kept his beloved money would have argued a

1. The capital city of Austria, known for its cultural heritage and historic landmarks.
2. A type of sausage, also called "Wiener," originating from Vienna.

blessing on the rich of Monsieur le Curé. Some three weeks later chance had taken me to Vienna, and I sat one evening regaling myself in a humble but excellent little Gasthaus up in the

1. Domesticated birds raised for meat, eggs, or feathers, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese.
2. The meat from these birds used as food.

that expectant hush that precedes the dawn—when your neighbours don’t happen to keep poultry. “What did the Caspian Sea?” asked Reginald, with appalling suddenness. There were symptoms of a

1. A sweet, juicy fruit with fuzzy skin and a large pit.
2. A pinkish-orange color resembling the fruit.

and their cousin, foreseeing the long foodless drive home, had each quietly pocketed an extra peach, but it was distinctly trying for Dolores and the fat and good-natured Agnes Blaik to be left

1. Done quickly or hurriedly, often without care.
2. Acting with excessive speed or urgency.

and the bursting pellets called forth a flood of cackling protest and panic from the hastily departing fowl. Calmness under misfortune is not an attribute of either hen-folk or womenkind,

1. Dogs, especially those used for hunting.
2. To pursue relentlessly or harass.

of his temper, over which he had very little. He had taken on the Mastership of the Pexdale Hounds in succession to a highly popular man who had fallen foul of his committee, and the Major found

1. A city in New Mexico, USA, known for its archaeological sites.
2. A prehistoric Paleo-Indian culture, known for distinctive stone tools.

soul, or a stomach either. He’s simply got the instinct for being unhappy highly developed.” Clovis relapsed for a few golden moments into tender intimacies with a succession of rapidly

1. A songbird, specifically the common or European song thrush (Turdus philomelos).
2. A female given name of French origin meaning "songbird."

questions lay outside his scheme of life. “What do you think of human intelligence?” asked Mavis Pellington lamely. “Of whose intelligence in particular?” asked Tobermory coldly. “Oh, well,

1. A Renaissance wind instrument resembling a curved horn.
2. A brass instrument similar to a trumpet but with finger holes.

heartily. “Possibly,” answered Tobermory; “but only one liver.” “Adelaide!” said Mrs. Cornett, “do you mean to encourage that cat to go out and gossip about us in the servants’ hall?” The

1. The house or residence of a rector (clergy member).
2. The office or jurisdiction of a rector.

his claws it was evident that he had fallen in unequal combat with the big Tom from the Rectory. By midday most of the guests had quitted the Towers, and after lunch Lady Blemley had

1. To gather closely together in a group, often for warmth, discussion, or strategy.
2. A brief meeting or discussion, especially in sports.

arrange. “I scarcely know the Bishop; I’ve only spoken to him once,” exclaimed J. P. Huddle, with the exculpating air of one who realizes too late the indiscretion of speaking to strange

1. A message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written or printed form.
2. A popular messaging app known for its speed and security features.

Already he was tearing at top speed towards the station. He dismissed the idea of a telegram. “Gabriel-Ernest is a werewolf” was a hopelessly inadequate effort at conveying the situation,

1. A local area or community where people live.
2. The surrounding region near a particular place.

highway a series of important bloodhound trials had been taking place in the near neighbourhood, and some dozen and a half couples of trained animals had been put on the track of the supposed

1. A cage or pen for small animals like rabbits.
2. A cupboard or storage unit, often with shelves.

said Conradin. In the shed that evening there was an innovation in the worship of the hutch-god. Conradin had been wont to chant his praises, tonight he asked a boon. “Do one thing for me,

1. A female domestic servant who cleans and maintains a household.
2. A young unmarried woman (archaic or poetic).

is the mistress?” “She went down to the shed some time ago,” said Conradin. And while the maid went to summon her mistress to tea Conradin fished a toasting-fork out of the sideboard drawer

1. A carnivorous mammal known for its scavenging habits and distinctive laugh-like vocalizations.
2. Any of several species in the family Hyaenidae, native to Africa and parts of Asia.

some latitude.” “But we should have found his remains,” sobbed Mrs. Momeby. “If the hyaena was really hungry and not merely toying with his food there wouldn’t be much in the way of

1. A general term for conditions causing pain and inflammation in joints, muscles, or connective tissue.
2. Often refers to arthritis or related disorders affecting mobility.

time of telling as in the first. “Arnold had just come in; he was complaining of rheumatism—” “There are so many things to complain of in this household that it would never have occurred

1. A piece of grassland, often used for hay or grazing.
2. A low-lying area near a river or stream, typically covered with grass.

They remained however, as noncommittal as the long blank wall that shut them off from the meadow, a wall over which their three heads sometimes appeared at odd moments. They had parents in

1. A small enclosure or shelter for pigs.
2. (Informal) A very messy or dirty place.

been laboriously pushed across to Octavian, who lost no time in propping it against the low pigsty wall. Scrambling gingerly along its rungs he was able to lean across the morass that separated

1. The Holy Grail, a sacred object in Christian legend, often associated with Jesus' Last Supper.
2. A symbol of divine grace, spiritual quest, or ultimate achievement.

appearance at the breakfast-table the bargain had been struck. “Just think,” said Mrs. Sangrail sleepily; “Lady Bastable has very kindly asked you to stay on here while I go to the

1. A former British currency unit, equal to 1/20 of a pound or 12 pence.
2. The basic monetary unit of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia.

then he fell to a helpless wing-beating and shrill cheeping. He had cost twenty-seven shillings without the cage, but Lady Anne made no sign of interfering. She had been dead for two hours.

1. A small, common songbird with brown and gray plumage.
2. Any of various small birds resembling the true sparrow.

was evidently ruffling and enraging it; in its way it seemed as angry and amazed as the sparrow had been. At the same moment a human figure came along the pathway. Belturbet looked up

1. A small fruit-bearing tree (Mespilus germanica) related to the rose family.
2. The edible fruit of this tree, brown and apple-like when ripe.

came across the old mother, sitting mumbling to herself in the seat beneath the medlar tree. “Let un sink as swims, let un sink as swims,” she was, repeating over and over again, as a

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

Quite a bargain, only I don’t happen to have the money.” Louisa Mebbin’s pretty weekend cottage, christened by her “Les Fauves,” and gay in summertime with its garden borders of tiger-lilies,

1. A city in England, known for its cathedral and industrial history.
2. A type of horse race, especially the Kentucky Derby.

with the war has always interested me. And when I saw there was a horse running in the Derby called after one of the battles in the Franco-German war, I said I must put some money on it, for

1. An evil spirit or demon.
2. A wicked or cruel person.

Afghanistan and China, it seemed rather ostentatious to stand outside the movement. That young Fiend just going by is the Member for East Brimstone; he’ll be delighted to show you over the

1. A female given name of Latin origin, meaning "from the forest" or "spirit of the wood."
2. In ornithology, a genus of small passerine birds, including warblers.

The Music on the Hill Sylvia Seltoun ate her breakfast in the morning-room at Yessney with a pleasant sense of ultimate

1. A low-growing shrub with small pink or purple flowers, common in moorland.
2. A light purple or pinkish color resembling the heather plant.

he turned his head to the upland slope and came lumbering resolutely onward over the heather. “It will be dreadful,” she thought, “the hounds will pull him down under my very eyes.” But the

1. A colorful, tropical bird known for its ability to mimic sounds and speech.
2. To repeat or imitate someone's words or actions without understanding.

and moderately amiable expression, and eat chocolate-creams with the appetite of a blasé parrot. Nothing more is demanded of you.” Reginald shut his eyes. “There will be the exhaustingly

1. Long, legless reptiles; snakes.
2. Symbolic or mythical snake-like creatures.

like you people seem to do, I couldn’t think of such a thing. And the holy and esteemed serpents have always helped me when I’ve prayed to them for success in my running and wrestling and

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

and downcast; it must be a demon, declared the fat blue pigeons that roosted and sunned themselves all day on the ledges of the parapet; but the old belfry jackdaw, who was an authority on

1. Suitcases, bags, or other containers used to carry personal belongings while traveling.
2. The collective term for a traveler's packed items.

indifference; her friends and relations were thoroughly well used to the fact of her luggage arriving without her. She wired a vague noncommittal message to her destination to say that she

1. A large, carnivorous feline with a yellowish coat and black spots, native to Africa and Asia.
2. A term used to describe a spotted pattern resembling that of a leopard's coat.

my address. There are only a couple of trunks and some golf-clubs and a leopard cub.” “A leopard cub!” gasped Mrs. Quabarl. Even in her departure this extraordinary person seemed destined to

1. The time of day when the sun is below the horizon but the sky is still partially illuminated.
2. The darker stage of twilight before nightfall.

or that a salute might have to be fired over the grave. And thus it came to pass that in the dusk of a November evening the Russian boy, murmuring a few of the prayers of his Church for luck,

1. A deep container for holding liquids, typically with a handle and spout.
2. (Slang) A prison or jail.

in the folds of some zephyr shirts. “The cunning brute,” said Mrs. Peters; “he took a cream jug because there were so many; he thought one wouldn’t be missed. Quick, fly down with it and put it

1. A large suitcase that opens into two equal parts.
2. A word blending the sounds and meanings of two others (e.g., "brunch" from "breakfast" and "lunch").

husband first made a hurried and successful search for the keys, and then plunged at the portmanteau with the air of a disagreeably conscientious Customs official. The quest was a brief one; a

1. A mineral composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate, often used as a gemstone.
2. A pale green to blue-green variety of beryl, also known as aquamarine.

Mr. Horace Bordenby was a young man with quite substantial prospects, and he had danced with Beryl at a local subscription ball a sufficient number of times to warrant the authorised inquiry on

1. A small, ground-dwelling bird known for its short flight and often hunted for sport or food.
2. To feel or show fear or apprehension; lose courage.

Quail Seed “The outlook is not encouraging for us smaller businesses,” said Mr. Scarrick to the artist

1. A remarkable person, thing, or event (informal).
2. A type of tropical fruit, also known as "soursop."

in the way of a sunken wreck to operate on, too!” “A wreck in Innisgluther Bay!” exclaimed Lulu. “A submerged motorboat, the Sub-Rosa,” said Vasco. “No! really?” said Lulu; “poor Billy

1. A term of endearment, often short for "mon amie" (my friend) in French.
2. A nickname for the name "Monica" or "Ramona".

The Pond Mona had always regarded herself as cast for the tragic role; her name, her large dark eyes, and the

1. Large birds of prey, such as hawks or vultures, known for scavenging.
2. Slang for greedy or predatory individuals.

exact, you’ve shot a honey-buzzard. That is the hen bird of one of the few pairs of honey-buzzards breeding in the United Kingdom. We’ve kept them under the strictest preservation for the last

1. A woman advocating for the right to vote, especially in early 20th-century movements.
2. A member of a militant women's suffrage organization.

a record of a kind. “Within the next day or two a new departure was noticeable in Suffragette tactics. They gave up worrying Ministers and Parliament and took to worrying their own

1. A fictional character known for hiding in crowded scenes in the "Where's Waldo?" books.
2. Slang for someone who is hard to find or elusive.

“ ‘Do you mean create disturbances? We’ve been doing nothing else for months,’ she said. “Waldo shook his head, and continued to look westward along the Mall. He’s rather good at acting in an

1. A semiaquatic mammal with a streamlined body, webbed feet, and dense fur, known for playful behavior.
2. A term for a person who enjoys swimming or water activities.

and eat fish?” asked Norah, with a fervent prayer in her heart that it might turn out to be an otter. “No,” said Vladimir, busy with the straps of his game-bag; “it lives in the woods, and eats

1. A small field or enclosure for horses or other livestock.
2. In motorsports, the area where race cars are kept and worked on before a race.

night the beast might speak. The cow-house stood at the junction of the garden with a small paddock, an isolated survival, in a suburban neighbourhood; of what had once been a small farm. Luke

1. A female given name of German origin meaning "mighty in battle."
2. A swag or bundle of personal belongings carried by a traveler, especially in Australia.

might be turned on them at any moment; and, as a matter of fact, they were not unobserved. Matilda Cuvering, with the alert eyes of thirteen years old and the added advantage of an exalted

1. A feminine given name of Latin origin meaning "truth."
2. A type of aloe plant (Aloe vera) known for its medicinal properties.

into the room with a whirl of apologies for being late in making her appearance. “I hope Vera has been amusing you?” she said. “She has been very interesting,” said Framton. “I hope you don’t

1. A small, painful lump on the edge of the eyelid caused by an infected oil gland.
2. Also called a hordeolum, it resembles a pimple or boil.

back again Tarquin, the huge white Yorkshire boar-pig, had exchanged the narrow limits of his stye for the wider range of the grass paddock. The discomfited Stossen expedition, returning in

1. Something or someone causing annoyance, inconvenience, or trouble.
2. A legal term for an activity or condition interfering with the use or enjoyment of property.

there were other ingredients, but they were never indiscriminately revealed. “Servants a nuisance!” exclaimed Jane, bounding into the topic with the exuberant plunge of a hunter when it leaves

1. Relating to Cyprus or its people.
2. A person from Cyprus.

apprehension that a Nut, even in its embryo stage, would refuse to carry parcels. Cyprian looked at her with his wondering, dreamy eyes. “I didn’t bring a hat,” he said, “because it is

1. A hard, yellow, pear-shaped fruit used in cooking and preserves.
2. The tree that bears this fruit, native to Asia.

The Quince Tree “I’ve just been to see old Betsy Mullen,” announced Vera to her aunt, Mrs. Bebberly Cumble;

1. Happy and cheerful in mood or appearance.
2. (British informal) Very; extremely (e.g., "jolly good").

the gate. “Wassail, you chaps!” he shouted. “Wassail, old sport!” they shouted back; “we’d jolly well drink y’r health, only we’ve nothing to drink it in.” “Come and wassail inside,” said Bertie

1. A long-standing rival or opponent.
2. A source of downfall or ruin.

The Feast of Nemesis “It’s a good thing that Saint Valentine’s Day has dropped out of vogue,” said Mrs. Thackenbury;

1. A title used by Roman emperors, derived from Julius Caesar.
2. A type of salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing.

of course there will be other words, but they won’t matter. Listen: Cousin Teresa takes out Caesar, Fido, Jock, and the big borzoi. A lifting, catchy sort of refrain, you see, and big-drum

1. A type of falcon (Falco biarmicus) known for its speed and hunting skills.
2. A medieval term for a trained hunting bird, often a falcon.

The trouble is that I’m not likely to get anything like that amount of grace. That fellow Lanner is showing signs of interesting himself in the same quarter. He’s quite heartbreakingly rich and

1. A given name, often a diminutive of Ronald or Veronica.
2. Slang for a Rolls-Royce car, derived from the brand's luxury status.

they are considerate and obliging, so I don’t want to quarrel with them. Besides, if Ronnie didn’t play cards there he’d be playing somewhere else.” “Not if you were firm with him,” said

1. Intense, sharp pain along a nerve pathway.
2. Often caused by nerve irritation or damage.

went as far as to say that she disapproved of most things. Disapproval was to her what neuralgia and fancy needlework are to many other women. She disapproved of early morning tea and auction

1. A strong outdoor shoe with ornamental perforations and a low heel.
2. A dialect or accent, especially Irish or Scottish English.

The Brogue The hunting season had come to an end, and the Mullets had not succeeded in selling the Brogue.

1. A type of fish commonly found in coastal waters.
2. A hairstyle short at the front and sides, long at the back.

that the horse was a confirmed crib-biter. It was about the third week in May that Mrs. Mullet, relict of the late Sylvester Mullet, and mother of Toby and a bunch of daughters, assailed

1. A yearly publication containing calendars, weather forecasts, and other useful information.
2. A reference book with facts and statistics on various topics.

about my garden I thought I ought to.” While the general verdict was in favour of the almanac as an inspired production, or, at any rate, a very fair compilation of successful prediction,

1. A term for decaying leaves and branches on a forest floor.
2. Slang for buttocks or backside.

I can’t see that anything has gone wrong. I was thinking you were to be congratulated.” Mrs. Duff-Chubleigh laughed harshly and bitterly. “It was so nice having the marchioness here,” she said;

1. The wife or widow of a marquess.
2. A woman holding the rank of marquess in her own right.

Mrs. Duff-Chubleigh laughed harshly and bitterly. “It was so nice having the marchioness here,” she said; “she’s dull and she dresses badly, but people in these parts think no end of

1. A small spiny mammal with a short tail, found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
2. A defensive military formation with troops arranged in a circle.

The Hedgehog A “mixed double” of young people were contesting a game of lawn tennis at the Rectory garden

1. A portion or share of something, often distributed as charity.
2. Government financial assistance for the unemployed.

rather than anxiety. “What an odious young cub Bertie Dykson has become!” pronounced Mrs. Dole, remembering suddenly that Bertie was a favourite with Mrs. Hatch-Mallard. “The young men of

1. A common wild duck with a glossy green head, found in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. The male of this species, known for its distinctive coloring.

that two ladies should be amiable, and that the other two should be Mrs. Dole and Mrs. Hatch-Mallard. “What a singularly unbecoming way Eva Jonelet has taken to doing her hair in,” said Mrs.

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.

of the small girls. “Once upon a time,” began the bachelor, “there was a little girl called Bertha, who was extraordinarily good.” The children’s momentarily-aroused interest began at once to

1. A small, round, edible fruit with a tart flavor, typically green or red.
2. A prickly shrub (Ribes uva-crispa) that produces the gooseberry fruit.

little French I had ever known deserted me; I could not render a simple phrase about the gooseberry of the gardener into that language, because I had forgotten the French for gooseberry.” The

1. A large deer species with palmate antlers, found in North America and Eurasia.
2. The second-largest member of the deer family (Cervidae), after the moose.

The Elk A Christmastide Tragedy Teresa, Mrs. Thropplestance, was the richest and most intractable old

1. A German word meaning "crowns" or "wreaths."
2. A surname of German origin.

“these blood-sausages are four kronen apiece.” “Four kronen!” exclaimed Abbleway; “four kronen for a blood-sausage!” “You cannot get them any cheaper on this train,” said the woman, with

1. A breed of domestic chicken known for its white eggs and calm temperament.
2. The second largest of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean.

There, you see, there it all is, nothing lacking.” “Except the maternal instinct in the Minorca, and that you could hardly be expected to supply.” “Sporting records, that’s important, too; now

1. A fragrant flowering plant with clusters of colorful bell-shaped blooms.
2. A shade of purplish-blue resembling the flower's color.

Hyacinth “The new fashion of introducing the candidate’s children into an election contest is a pretty

1. To plant seeds in the ground for growth.
2. A female adult pig.

jolly well crowded. They were pretty mad at being shut in, but not half as mad as the old sow is at being shut out from her young ones. If she gets in while they’re there she’ll bite them

1. A title for a king or ruler, especially in ancient Rome.
2. A male given name of Latin origin.

Fate Rex Dillot was nearly twenty-four, almost good-looking and quite penniless. His mother was supposed

1. A small plant with trifoliate leaves, often used as fodder.
2. Symbol of luck, especially a four-leaf clover.

of one of Laurence’s rare visits to the farm to lead him down to the enclosure where Clover Fairy kept solitary state—the grass widower of a grazing harem. Tom felt some of his old dislike

1. A term for a wood pigeon or ringdove.
2. (Archaic) A term of endearment for a beloved person.

Tea James Cushat-Prinkly was a young man who had always had a settled conviction that one of these days he would

1. A priest in charge of a parish or congregation.
2. The head of certain universities, colleges, or schools.

hour; he’s not the sort to go out for a ride before breakfast. The day after I’ll get the rector to drive him over to Crowleigh before lunch, to see the new cottage hospital they’re building