100 words to know before reading The Awakening

1. A printed publication containing news, articles, and advertisements, usually issued daily or weekly.
2. The organization responsible for producing and distributing such a publication.

notes out upon the breeze with maddening persistence. Mr. Pontellier, unable to read his newspaper with any degree of comfort, arose with an expression and an exclamation of disgust. He walked

1. Small, cozy houses, often in rural or vacation areas.
2. Simple, single-story homes, sometimes with thatched roofs.

He walked down the gallery and across the narrow “bridges” which connected the Lebrun cottages one with the other. He had been seated before the door of the main house. The parrot and the

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.

seated before the door of the main house. The parrot and the mockingbird were the property of Madame Lebrun, and they had the right to make all the noise they wished. Mr. Pontellier had the

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

shelter were his wife, Mrs. Pontellier, and young Robert Lebrun. When they reached the cottage, the two seated themselves with some appearance of fatigue upon the upper step of the porch,

1. Thin, flexible branches or twigs, typically of willow, used for weaving.
2. Woven furniture or items made from such materials.

Had Mrs. Pontellier ever known such a warm November? Victor went and reclined on the wicker lounge behind his mother’s chair, where he commanded a view of Edna’s face. He had taken her

1. A section or area within a larger space, often separated by aisles (e.g., in a store).

The day was Sunday; the paper was a day old. The Sunday papers had not yet reached Grand Isle. He was already acquainted with the market reports, and he glanced restlessly over the editorials

1. holding attention by being extremely interesting or charming
2. attracting and holding interest or delight

Sunday, or any day which he might select. Madame coquetted with him in the most captivating and naive manner, with eyes, gestures, and a profusion of compliments, till the Colonel’s old

1. A covered entrance to a building, typically at the front, often with a roof and open sides.
2. A veranda or similar outdoor space attached to a house, used for relaxation.

slipped her bare feet into a pair of satin mules at the foot of the bed and went out on the porch, where she sat down in the wicker chair and began to rock gently to and fro. It was then past

1. A lawn game where players hit wooden balls through hoops using mallets.
2. The act of hitting a ball in croquet.

the wind, the trees, the people who had gone to the Chénière; about the children playing croquet under the oaks, and the Farival twins, who were now performing the overture to The Poet and the

1. Small, sweet candies, often coated in chocolate or sugar.
2. French term for sweets or confectionery.

their father when they saw him starting out. He kissed them and promised to bring them back bonbons and peanuts.

1. A loose, lightweight dressing gown or robe, typically worn by women.
2. A garment worn after bathing or before bedtime.

the night. The tears came so fast to Mrs. Pontellier’s eyes that the damp sleeve of her peignoir no longer served to dry them. She was holding the back of her chair with one hand; her loose

1. A type of light, four-wheeled carriage with a fixed top and open sides.
2. A neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens.

half a night longer. The following morning Mr. Pontellier was up in good time to take the rockaway which was to convey him to the steamer at the wharf. He was returning to the city to his

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.

games under the oaks. Their voices were high and penetrating. Madame Ratignolle folded her sewing, placing thimble, scissors, and thread all neatly together in the roll, which she pinned

1. A piece of clothing.
2. An item of apparel worn on the body.

I shall not answer you.” Mr. Pontellier had prepared for bed, but he slipped on an extra garment. He opened a bottle of wine, of which he kept a small and select supply in a buffet of his own.

1. A sweet confection made from sugar, honey, nuts, and egg whites.
2. A chewy or soft candy often found in chocolate bars.

That lady seemed at a loss to make a selection, but finally settled upon a stick of nougat, wondering if it were not too rich; whether it could possibly hurt her. Madame Ratignolle had

1. A language formed from a mixture of other languages, often with simplified grammar.
2. A person of mixed European and Black descent, especially in the Caribbean.

face he checked himself and changed the subject. Mrs. Pontellier, though she had married a Creole, was not thoroughly at home in the society of Creoles; never before had she been thrown so

1. People of mixed European and African descent, especially in the Caribbean.
2. Stable, natural languages developed from a mixture of parent languages.

of Creoles; never before had she been thrown so intimately among them. There were only Creoles that summer at Lebrun’s. They all knew each other, and felt like one large family, among whom

1. The Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus in Christian tradition.
2. A title of respect for an Italian woman, equivalent to "Madam."

lady seemed a more tempting subject than at that moment, seated there like some sensuous Madonna, with the gleam of the fading day enriching her splendid color. Robert crossed over and seated

1. A small metal or plastic cap worn on the finger to protect it while sewing.
2. A short metal tube used in mechanical or electrical applications.

hers, and it was a joy to look at them when she threaded her needle or adjusted her gold thimble to her taper middle finger as she sewed away on the little night-drawers or fashioned a bodice or

1. Serious and sincere in intention or effort.
2. A token or payment given as a pledge or promise.

She sought to detain them for a little talk and some pleasantry. But they were greatly in earnest. They had only come to investigate the contents of the bonbon box. They accepted without

1. Slow and clumsy due to great weight or size.
2. Dull or laborious in manner or style.

and his bridal gifts, with his padded shoulders, his Bible reading, his “toddies” and ponderous oaths. Mr. Pontellier followed him closely. He meant to stop at the wedding on his way to New

1. Directed toward the outside or exterior.
2. Relating to external appearance or behavior.

wondered at one propensity which sometimes had inwardly disturbed her without causing any outward show or manifestation on her part. At a very early age—perhaps it was when she traversed the

1. Honesty or frankness in expression.
2. Openness or sincerity in speech or behavior.

Creole had first attracted her, for Edna had a sensuous susceptibility to beauty. Then the candor of the woman’s whole existence, which everyone might read, and which formed so striking a

1. Having the qualities or appearance of a mature, dignified woman.
2. Motherly or nurturing in a traditional, often older, manner.

The women were both of goodly height, Madame Ratignolle possessing the more feminine and matronly figure. The charm of Edna Pontellier’s physique stole insensibly upon you. The lines of her body

1. Soldiers who fight on horseback.
2. Modern military units using armored vehicles.

something like Napoleon’s, with a lock of black hair failing across the forehead. But the cavalry officer melted imperceptibly out of her existence. At another time her affections were deeply

1. A government official representing their country in a foreign city.
2. In ancient Rome, one of two chief magistrates elected annually.

1. A clear, seasoned broth made by simmering meat, vegetables, or bones, often used as a base for soups or sauces.
2. A dehydrated cube or powder used to quickly make broth by dissolving in hot water.

Au revoir. But you look tired,” he added, solicitously. “Would you like a cup of bouillon? Shall I stir you a toddy? Let me mix you a toddy with a drop of Angostura.” She acceded to the

1. A drink made from the fermented sap of palm trees.
2. A warm, sweetened mixture of liquor (like rum) and water, often with spices.

solicitously. “Would you like a cup of bouillon? Shall I stir you a toddy? Let me mix you a toddy with a drop of Angostura.” She acceded to the suggestion of bouillon, which was grateful and

1. A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
2. The structure housing such a window.

at the top of the house, made up of odd angles and a queer, sloping ceiling. Two broad dormer windows looked out toward the Gulf, and as far across it as a man’s eye might reach. The

1. A loud, rattling noise made by hard objects striking together.
2. To make or cause a continuous, chaotic sound of collisions.

and frequency with which he turned the leaves. The sewing-machine made a resounding clatter in the room; it was of a ponderous, bygone make. In the lulls, Robert and his mother exchanged

1. A French title of respect for a man, equivalent to "Mr." or "sir."
2. Used as a polite form of address for a man in French-speaking contexts.

with a Catholic, and we need seek no further for the motives which led her to accept Monsieur Pontellier for her husband. The acme of bliss, which would have been a marriage with the

1. A person's inherent qualities of mind and character.
2. The way something is placed or arranged.

say and exchanged its domestic gossip earlier in the evening. There was now an apparent disposition to relax; to widen the circle of confidences and give a more general tone to the conversation.

1. Dressed or clothed in a particular way.
2. Covered with a layer or coating.

bird winging its flight away from him. Another piece called to her mind a dainty young woman clad in an Empire gown, taking mincing dancing steps as she came down a long avenue between tall

1. A person who seeks spiritual truth through contemplation and intuition.
2. Relating to mystical experiences or beliefs.

general disposition to disband. But someone, perhaps it was Robert, thought of a bath at that mystic hour and under that mystic moon.

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.

for the imperious little woman’s favor. She would not dare to choose, and begged that Mademoiselle Reisz would please herself in her selections. Edna was what she herself called very fond of

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

it, she did so with profound astonishment. She felt moved to read the book in secret and solitude, though none of the others had done so—to hide it from view at the sound of approaching

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

covered with crash, which she placed against the front of the building. The two seated themselves there in the shade of the porch, side by side, with their backs against the pillows and their

1. A hanging bed or couch made of fabric or netting, suspended between two points.
2. A fertile area in the southern U.S. with hardwood trees and lush vegetation.

hold of the hammock rope which was fastened to the post. “If you wish. Don’t swing the hammock. Will you get my white shawl which I left on the windowsill over at the house?” “Are you chilly?”

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.

which was fastened to the post. “If you wish. Don’t swing the hammock. Will you get my white shawl which I left on the windowsill over at the house?” “Are you chilly?” “No; but I shall be

1. Small flying insects that feed on blood and can transmit diseases.
2. Known for their irritating bites and buzzing sound.

to the path which they had taken. She was just having a good cry all to herself. The mosquitoes made merry over her, biting her firm, round arms and nipping at her bare insteps. The little

1. A structure built along the shore for loading and unloading ships.
2. A dock or pier where vessels can moor.

clatter! Robert uttered a shrill, piercing whistle which might have been heard back at the wharf. “He won’t look up.” Madame Lebrun flew to the window. She called “Victor!” She waved a

1. Small decorative objects with a hole for threading.
2. Drops of liquid, like sweat or water.

were all alone. They saw nothing, they heard nothing. The lady in black was counting her beads for the third time. Old Monsieur Farival talked incessantly of what he knew about handling a

1. Large pieces of fabric attached to a boat to catch wind and propel it forward.
2. The collective term for all sails on a ship.

hands. Robert held his umbrella over her. As they went cutting sidewise through the water, the sails bellied taut, with the wind filling and overflowing them. Old Monsieur Farival laughed

1. Large in size or scale (Spanish/Italian).
2. A size option for drinks, especially in coffee shops.

little wriggling gold snakes, and watch the lizards sun themselves.” She gazed away toward Grande Terre and thought she would like to be alone there with Robert, in the sun, listening to the

1. Feeling sleepy or half-asleep.
2. Showing signs of tiredness or lethargy.

nestled peacefully among the orange trees. It must always have been God’s day on that low, drowsy island, Edna thought. They stopped, leaning over a jagged fence made of sea-drift, to ask for

1. The central structural beam of a ship or boat, running along the bottom from bow to stern.
2. To capsize or overturn, especially of a boat or ship.

far advanced. Robert was out there under the shed, reclining in the shade against the sloping keel of the overturned boat. He was reading from a book. Tonie was no longer with him. She wondered

1. A type of fish with a long, slender body, often found in coastal waters.
2. A hairstyle that is short at the front and sides, but long at the back.

Madame Antoine busied herself in the large front room preparing dinner. She was boiling mullets over a few red coals in the huge fireplace. Edna, left alone in the little side room, loosened

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

the party. She peeped out at him two or three times as she stood washing herself in the little basin between the windows. Madame Antoine had laid some coarse, clean towels upon a chair, and had

1. Wrapped or covered to reduce sound (e.g., muffled voices).
2. Made less clear or distinct (e.g., muffled emotions).

who has entered and lingered within the portals of some forbidden temple in which a thousand muffled voices bade her begone. Whatever was her own in the house, everything which she had acquired

1. A shaped mass of baked bread.
2. A quantity of food formed into a particular shape.

right away?” she asked, after draining her glass and brushing together the crumbs of the crusty loaf. “The sun isn’t as low as it will be in two hours,” he answered. “The sun will be gone in two

1. A formal dress, typically worn for special occasions.
2. A loose robe worn by professionals like doctors or judges.

is, he lay upon the ground beside her, occasionally picking at the hem of her muslin gown. Madame Antoine seated her fat body, broad and squat, upon a bench beside the door. She had been

1. The act of allowing oneself or others to enjoy something desired, often excessively.
2. In religion, a remission of punishment for sins, granted by the Catholic Church.

permitted to sit up till after the ice-cream, which naturally marked the limit of human indulgence. The ice-cream was passed around with cake—gold and silver cake arranged on platters in

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

“He won’t look up.” Madame Lebrun flew to the window. She called “Victor!” She waved a handkerchief and called again. The young fellow below got into the vehicle and started the horse off at a

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

distance permitted. A light-colored mulatto boy, in dress coat and bearing a diminutive silver tray for the reception of cards, admitted them. A maid, in white fluted cap, offered the callers

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

It was a large, beautiful room, rich and picturesque in the soft, dim light which the maid had turned low. She went and stood at an open window and looked out upon the deep tangle of the

1. Burned or charred by fire or heat.
2. Dried or withered from extreme heat.

fish was scorched. Mr. Pontellier would not touch it. Edna said she did not mind a little scorched taste. The roast was in some way not to his fancy, and he did not like the manner in which the

1. Past tense of "fling" – threw or tossed something forcefully.
2. Moved or pushed suddenly and violently.

rolled into a ball, and flung from her. Once she stopped, and taking off her wedding ring, flung it upon the carpet. When she saw it lying there, she stamped her heel upon it, striving to crush

1. A decorative container, typically made of glass or ceramic, used to hold flowers or as an ornament.
2. An open vessel of various shapes and sizes, often used for displaying or arranging plants.

not a mark upon the little glittering circlet. In a sweeping passion she seized a glass vase from the table and flung it upon the tiles of the hearth. She wanted to destroy something. The

1. A seller or vendor, especially in a market or street.
2. (Obsolete) One who offers goods for sale.

quick steps, having assumed a fictitious animation and alacrity for the occasion. A fruit vender was crying his wares in the street. Edna looked straight before her with a self-absorbed

1. A place where hairdressing, beauty treatments, or other personal services are provided.
2. A gathering of intellectuals, artists, or socialites for discussion or exhibition.

Then placing an arm around Edna’s waist, she led her to the front of the house, to the salon, where it was cool and sweet with the odor of great roses that stood upon the hearth in jars.

1. A state of mental confusion with disorientation, hallucinations, or agitation.
2. Often caused by illness, medication, or intoxication.

never have the taste of life’s delirium. Edna vaguely wondered what she meant by “life’s delirium.” It had crossed her thought like some unsought, extraneous impression.

1. A workshop or studio used by an artist or designer.
2. A place where skilled craftsmen create or repair items.

who gaped with wondering eyes at him, sitting so stiff up there in their mother’s bright atelier. When they drew near he motioned them away with an expressive action of the foot, loath to

1. A long upholstered bench or seat, often against a wall.
2. A raised step or platform, especially in a military trench.

the street was locked. Edna rang the bell at this side garden gate, and stood upon the banquette, waiting to be admitted. It was Victor who opened the gate for her. A black woman, wiping her

1. A sharp disapproval or criticism.
2. To reprimand or scold someone sternly.

started back to her interrupted task of weeding the garden. Whereupon Victor administered a rebuke in the form of a volley of abuse, which, owing to its rapidity and incoherence, was all but

1. A comfortable room for relaxing or socializing.
2. To recline or sit in a relaxed manner.

to enter. It was very pleasant there on the side porch, where there were chairs, a wicker lounge, and a small table. She seated herself, for she was tired from her long tramp; and she began to

1. A lightweight umbrella used for shade from the sun.
2. A decorative or functional canopy, often used outdoors.

tired from her long tramp; and she began to rock gently and smooth out the folds of her silk parasol. Victor drew up his chair beside her. He at once explained that the black woman’s offensive

1. Dark, dirty, or gloomy in appearance.
2. Small, cramped, and often in poor condition.

restaurant. It was there also that she ate, keeping her belongings in a rare old buffet, dingy and battered from a hundred years of use. When Edna knocked at Mademoiselle Reisz’s front room

1. A curved shape resembling a segment of a ring, tapering to points at the ends.
2. The figure of the moon in its first or last quarter.

deeper. The music filled the room. It floated out upon the night, over the housetops, the crescent of the river, losing itself in the silence of the upper air. Edna was sobbing, just as she had

1. A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.
2. A piece of furniture designed for comfort and relaxation in living spaces.

she brought in upon a small table near at hand, and seated herself once again on the lumpy sofa. “I have had a letter from your friend,” she remarked, as she poured a little cream into Edna’s

1. Done without preparation or planning; spontaneous.
2. A short musical composition, often improvised.

Mrs. Pontellier once said.’ ‘If Mrs. Pontellier should call upon you, play for her that Impromptu of Chopin’s, my favorite. I heard it here a day or two ago, but not as you play it. I should like

1. A Polish composer and pianist of the Romantic era.
2. A type of light, fast-moving dance in triple time.

Gradually and imperceptibly the interlude melted into the soft opening minor chords of the Chopin Impromptu. Edna did not know when the Impromptu began or ended. She sat in the sofa corner

1. A short period or event that comes between others; a break or pause.
2. A piece of music or performance inserted between parts of a larger work.

curves and angles that gave it an appearance of deformity. Gradually and imperceptibly the interlude melted into the soft opening minor chords of the Chopin Impromptu. Edna did not know when the

1. Strange or unusual in a way that is surprising or noticeable.
2. Distinctive or unique to a particular person, place, or thing.

about by herself, moping in the streetcars, getting in after dark. I tell you she’s peculiar. I don’t like it; I feel a little worried over it.” This was a new aspect for the Doctor.

1. Having knowledge or experience of something.
2. Familiar with someone or something.

days the old gentleman had been upon Edna’s hands, and in his society she was becoming acquainted with a new set of sensations. He had been a colonel in the Confederate army, and still

1. Physical feelings or perceptions from stimuli (e.g., touch, taste).
2. Strong emotions or excitement.

of life, that monster made up of beauty and brutality. But among the conflicting sensations which assailed her, there was neither shame nor remorse. There was a dull pang of regret because

1. A sparkling white wine from the Champagne region of France.
2. A celebratory drink often used for toasts and special occasions.

pale, close together, rapt in oblivious forgetfulness, drifting into the unknown. The champagne was cold, and its subtle fumes played fantastic tricks with Edna’s memory that night. Outside,

1. Gases or vapors, often harmful or unpleasant, released by burning or chemical reactions.
2. A state of anger or irritation (informal usage).

under their beneficent influence the threatened unpleasantness melted and vanished with the fumes of the wine. Mr. Pontellier warmed up and grew reminiscent. He told some amusing plantation

1. A long, narrow canoe made from a single tree trunk, used especially in the Caribbean and Louisiana.
2. A small, flat-bottomed boat with a pointed bow and stern, often used in shallow waters.

me patch and trim my boat. We shall not need Beaudelet nor anyone. Are you afraid of the pirogue?” “Oh, no.” “Then I’ll take you some night in the pirogue when the moon shines. Maybe your Gulf

1. Failed to care for properly.
2. Suffered from lack of attention.

with their quadroon. The old madame did not venture to say she was afraid they would be neglected during Léonce’s absence; she hardly ventured to think so. She was hungry for them—even a little

1. Misled or tricked into believing something false.
2. Caused to accept an untruth as true.

at her, to which she made no response. Alcée Arobin’s manner was so genuine that it often deceived even himself. Edna did not care or think whether it were genuine or not. When she was alone she

1. A professional rider in horse races.
2. To maneuver or manipulate something skillfully.

to her husband; and she decided to do so next day and tell him about her afternoon at the Jockey Club. She lay wide awake composing a letter which was nothing like the one which she wrote next

1. Strongly disapproved of or condemned.
2. Felt or expressed deep sorrow or regret for.

two companions as one having authority to speak. She laughed at Arobin’s pretensions, and deplored Mrs. Highcamp’s ignorance. The race horse was a friend and intimate associate of her childhood.

1. A long, open, level area, typically beside a river or large body of water, used as a public walk or promenade.
2. A level, open space in front of a fort or large building, often used for walking or gatherings.

XVII The Pontelliers possessed a very charming home on Esplanade Street in New Orleans. It was a large, double cottage, with a broad front veranda, whose round,

1. Lacking in variety; dull or uninteresting.
2. Repetitive and tedious in sound or action.

My manner must have misled you in some way. I wish you to go, please.” She spoke in a monotonous, dull tone. He took his hat from the table, and stood with eyes turned from her, looking into the

1. Greatly surprised or amazed.
2. Filled with sudden wonder or disbelief.

It was openly criticised and freely discussed at table. Mrs. Pontellier gave over being astonished, and concluded that wonders would never cease.

1. To trick or mislead someone deliberately.
2. To cause someone to believe something that is not true.

his letters, then?” “Haven’t you begged for them? Can I refuse you anything? Oh! you cannot deceive me,” and Mademoiselle approached her beloved instrument and began to play. Edna did not at once

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

“Oh, yes! You will tell me that I am adorable; everything that is captivating. Spare yourself the effort.” “No; I shan’t tell you anything of the sort, though I shouldn’t be lying if I did.”

1. To fly or rise high in the air.
2. To increase rapidly in amount or level.

to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth.’ ” “Whither would you soar?” “I’m not thinking of any extraordinary flights. I only half comprehend her.” “I’ve heard she’s

1. Attacked violently or forcefully.
2. Criticized or opposed strongly.

amid her guests, she felt the old ennui overtaking her; the hopelessness which so often assailed her, which came upon her like an obsession, like something extraneous, independent of volition.

1. To express disapproval or disappointment towards someone.
2. A cause of blame or criticism.

Mariequita walked away with her basket of shrimps, casting a look of childish ill humor and reproach at Robert from the corner of her eye.

1. A stout-bodied bird with short legs, often gray or white, commonly found in cities.
2. A domesticated bird used for racing or carrying messages.

She told him it was, looking no higher than the tip of his collar. “When do you go to the ‘pigeon house?’—with all due acknowledgment to Ellen.” “Day after tomorrow, after the dinner. I shall

1. Flowering plants of the genus Rosa, known for their fragrant blooms and thorny stems.
2. Symbol of love, beauty, or passion in various cultures.

Ratignolle gallantly took her arm and led her away. Mrs. Highcamp was weaving a garland of roses, yellow and red. When she had finished the garland, she laid it lightly upon Victor’s black

1. A decorative wreath or chain of flowers, leaves, or other materials.
2. To adorn or decorate with such a wreath or chain.

holding a glass of champagne to the light. As if a magician’s wand had touched him, the garland of roses transformed him into a vision of Oriental beauty. His cheeks were the color of crushed

1. A piece of fabric worn around the neck or head for warmth or fashion.
2. To eat or drink something quickly or hungrily.

and flung it across the room. “Come, Victor; you’ve posed long enough. Give Mrs. Highcamp her scarf.” Mrs. Highcamp undraped the scarf from about him with her own hands. Miss Mayblunt and Mr.

1. A mineral, also known as celestite, composed of strontium sulfate (SrSO₄), often pale blue in color.
2. Relating to the heavens or sky; celestial.

Laidpore. I can live in the tiny house for little or nothing, with one servant. Old Celestine, who works occasionally for me, says she will come stay with me and do my work. I know I shall

1. A flowering plant with bright, colorful blooms, often used in gardens.
2. The essential oil derived from geranium plants, used in perfumes and aromatherapy.

she had missed by going to the “Dante reading” instead of joining them. The girl held a geranium leaf up to her nose and said nothing, but looked knowing and noncommittal. Mr. Highcamp was a

1. A seat without a back or arms, typically with three or four legs.
2. Feces; waste matter discharged from the bowels.

sudden and brief flare of the match emphasized the darkness for a while. He sat down upon a stool which the children had left out on the porch. “Get a chair,” said Edna. “This will do,” he

1. A small bag or container, often made of fabric or leather.
2. A pocket-like structure in some animals, like kangaroos, for carrying young.

are hideous, just as you find women everywhere.” “What was she like—the one who gave you the pouch? You must have known her very well.” “She was very ordinary. She wasn’t of the slightest

1. To tread heavily or crush underfoot.
2. To disregard or treat with disrespect.

with almost everyone, owing to a temper which was self-assertive and a disposition to trample upon the rights of others. Robert prevailed upon her without any too great difficulty. She

1. A poetic or literary term for a nightingale.
2. In Greek mythology, a princess transformed into a nightingale.