100 words to know before reading The Moonstone

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

Preserved by three Brahmins, the inviolate deity, bearing the Yellow Diamond in its forehead, was removed by night, and was transported to the second of the sacred cities of India—the city

1. A belief or practice based on irrational fear or magical thinking.
2. A widely held but unjustified idea about luck or supernatural forces.

Indian god who typifies the Moon. Partly from its peculiar colour, partly from a superstition which represented it as feeling the influence of the deity whom it adorned, and growing and

1. A holy place dedicated to a deity, saint, or sacred object.
2. A structure or site for worship, prayer, or remembrance.

it after him. And the Brahmins caused the prophecy to be written over the gates of the shrine in letters of gold. One age followed another—and still, generation after generation, the

1. Members of the highest Hindu caste, traditionally priests and scholars.
2. Intellectual or social elites in other contexts.

breathed the breath of his divinity on the Diamond in the forehead of the god. And the Brahmins knelt and hid their faces in their robes. The deity commanded that the Moonstone should be

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

found their way, by an unguarded door, into the treasury of the Palace, and loaded themselves with gold and jewels. It was in the court outside the treasury that my cousin and I met, to

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

postman, represented him to be lightheaded—talking nonsense as glibly, poor man, in his delirium as he often talked it in his sober senses. We were all sorry for the little doctor; but Mr.

1. A confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
2. The act of asserting something, often without proof.

if I could have felt it much more unpleasantly than I felt those words. Miss Rachel’s assertion of her innocence had left Rosanna’s conduct—the making the new nightgown, the hiding the smeared

1. Convinced someone to believe or do something through reasoning or argument.
2. Influenced someone's thoughts or actions by appealing to their feelings or logic.

more than once already, to be reconciled with my lady, for no other purpose, I am firmly persuaded, than to annoy her. But this was the first time he had actually come to the house. I had it on

1. A person responsible for managing or overseeing something, such as property or an event.
2. A flight attendant on an aircraft.

First Period The Loss of the Diamond (1848) The events related by Gabriel Betteredge, house-steward in the service of Julia, Lady Verinder.

1. The number following seventeen and preceding nineteen (18).
2. The age at which one legally becomes an adult in many countries.

at my office, through more years than I like to reckon up. It was not till the summer of eighteen hundred and forty-eight that I found occasion to look at it again under very melancholy

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

was the point of view I looked at it from. Economy—with a dash of love. I put it to my mistress, as in duty bound, just as I had put it to myself. “I have been turning Selina Goby over in my

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

discovered that I was getting old before I had discovered it myself, and she had come to my cottage to wheedle me (if I may use such an expression) into giving up my hard out-of-door work as

1. A small fish, often brightly colored, found in coastal waters.
2. A term for various species of bottom-dwelling fish in the Gobiidae family.

well and sets her foot down firmly on the ground when she walks, and you’re all right. Selina Goby was all right in both these respects, which was one reason for marrying her. I had another

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

what your memory will pick up for you upon that compulsion. The only difficulty is to fetch out the dates, in the first place. This Penelope offers to do for me by looking into her own

1. A book where personal experiences and thoughts are recorded daily.
2. A daily record of events or transactions.

devised by myself, namely, that she should tell the story instead of me, out of her own diary, Penelope observes, with a fierce look and a red face, that her journal is for her own private

1. Awakened from sleep or inactivity.
2. Stirred to action or emotion.

there, deep in thought, with his eyes on Miss Rachel’s bedroom door. After a little he roused himself, nodded his head, as much as to say, “That will do,” and, addressing me, asked for ten

1. Performers skilled in keeping multiple objects in motion by tossing and catching them.
2. People who skillfully balance or manage multiple tasks or responsibilities.

noticing my question. “It’s just possible, Betteredge, that my stranger and your three jugglers may turn out to be pieces of the same puzzle.” “How do you come to know about the jugglers, sir?”

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

that Penelope had just come from our lodge, where she had been having a gossip with the lodge-keeper’s daughter. The two girls had seen the Indians pass out, after I had warned them off,

1. A female domestic worker employed to clean and maintain a household.
2. A maid responsible for housekeeping duties like cleaning, laundry, and tidying.

here mentioned as Rosanna was our second housemaid. Having a kind of pity for our second housemaid (why, you shall presently know), and seeing in Nancy’s face, that she would fetch her

1. A correctional institution for young offenders, focusing on rehabilitation.
2. Designed to reform or improve behavior through discipline and education.

instead of only robbing from one, the law laid hold of her, and the prison and the reformatory followed the lead of the law. The matron’s opinion of Rosanna was (in spite of what she had done)

1. A married woman, especially one who is mature and dignified.
2. A woman in charge of domestic and medical arrangements in a prison or other institution.

interest in her. My lady (being a Christian woman, if ever there was one yet) said to the matron, upon that, “Rosanna Spearman shall have her chance, in my service.” In a week afterwards,

1. Trembling or shaking slightly due to cold, fear, or excitement.
2. The involuntary movement of muscles to generate heat when cold.

to see, and which has given to it, among the people in our parts, the name of the Shivering Sand. A great bank, half a mile out, nigh the mouth of the bay, breaks the force of the main

1. Said something in response or comment.
2. Noticed or observed something noteworthy.

answer, as a consolation and encouragement to all stupid people—it being, as I have remarked, a great satisfaction to our inferior fellow-creatures to find that their betters are, on

1. A narcotic drug derived from the poppy plant, used for pain relief and recreation.
2. A substance that induces sleep or dulls awareness.

different rumours about him from time to time. Sometimes they said he was given up to smoking opium and collecting old books; sometimes he was reported to be trying strange things in chemistry;

1. Untidy or messy in appearance or habits.
2. Careless or negligent in work or behavior.

to which the Colonel’s instructions point!” I instantly exerted my wits. They were of the slovenly English sort; and they consequently muddled it all, until Mr. Franklin took them in hand, and

1. Small stones or pebbles, often used in construction or landscaping.
2. A rough or harsh sound or manner.

the shadow, I now noticed, for the first time, a little bright object, lying on the clean gravel, under the light of the moon. Picking the object up, I discovered it was a small bottle,

1. A planting or area covered with shrubs (small to medium-sized woody plants).
2. A decorative garden feature consisting of grouped or arranged shrubs.

hidden from sight among the thick trees and bushes in that part of the grounds. From the shrubbery, they could easily make their way, over our fence into the road. If I had been forty years

1. A period of time between two events or points.
2. The difference in pitch between two musical notes.

to help me, by consulting her journal—I find that we may pass pretty rapidly over the interval between Mr. Franklin Blake’s arrival and Miss Rachel’s birthday. For the greater part of that

1. Famous and respected in a particular field.
2. Standing out prominently; distinguished.

umbrellas, Mr. Betteredge, tonight!” It was all very well for him to joke. But I was not an eminent traveller—and my way in this world had not led me into playing ducks and drakes with my own

1. A short, thin cigar with both ends open.
2. A type of cigar originally from India, made from tobacco rolled in a tobacco leaf.

Sand. Even the immovable Mr. Murthwaite was so interested in what he heard, that he let his cheroot go out. “Now,” says Mr. Franklin, when he had done, “what does your experience say?” “My

1. A hereditary social class or system, especially in Hindu society.
2. A rigid social stratification based on birth, occupation, or wealth.

of it, and some justification of no ordinary kind to plead for them, in recovery of their caste, when they return to their own country.” I was struck dumb. Mr. Murthwaite went on with his

1. On or to a higher floor of a building.
2. The upper floor(s) of a building.

about, and there was Penelope flying down after me like mad. “Father!” she screamed, “come upstairs, for God’s sake! The Diamond is gone!” “Are you out of your mind?” I asked her. “Gone!” says

1. A feeling of great surprise or amazement.
2. The state of being astonished or shocked.

to find words to thank my mistress with for the honour she had done me. To my great astonishment, it turned out, however, that the waistcoat was not an honour, but a bribe. My lady had

1. A civil officer who administers the law, especially at a local level.
2. A judicial officer with limited authority to hear and decide certain cases.

of him had held out as far as Frizinghall. He had put the whole case plainly before the magistrate, and the magistrate had at once sent for the police. The first inquiries instituted about the

1. The folded or turned-back end of a sleeve.
2. A band or ring around the wrist, often decorative.

except what he really was. A more complete opposite to Superintendent Seegrave than Sergeant Cuff, and a less comforting officer to look at, for a family in distress, I defy you to discover,

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.

walks between your roses; gravel’s too hard for them. That’s a sweet pretty bed of white roses and blush roses. They always mix well together, don’t they? Here’s the white musk rose, Mr.

1. To spread a substance over a surface (e.g., butter on bread).
2. To damage someone's reputation with false accusations.

question, miss,” says the Sergeant, “I beg leave to make an inquiry in my turn. There is a smear on the painting of your door, here. Do you happen to know when it was done? or who did it?”

1. A skirt worn under a dress or outer skirt for added volume or warmth.
2. Historically, a garment worn by women beneath their dresses for modesty or fashion.

and I was just going out to chain up the dogs again, when I heard a sudden whisking of petticoats on the stairs behind me. I turned about, and there was Penelope flying down after me like mad.

1. A small, unimportant matter or thing.
2. A small amount, especially of money.

of anxiety to help Sergeant Cuff. The Sergeant seemed to approve of Penelope. He became a trifle less dreary; and he looked much as he had looked when he noticed the white musk rose in the

1. Marked or discolored with spots or patches.
2. Colored or treated with a dye or pigment.

only looked for the Diamond, and that the second investigation must look for the stained dress. I quite agree with you, my lady, that the servants’ feelings ought to be consulted. But I

1. A request for information or an official investigation.
2. The act of asking questions to gain knowledge or understanding.

thing which, as head of the servants, I never allow, on principle, to pass me without inquiry. “What are you turning your back on your dinner for?” I asked. “What’s wrong now, Nancy?” Nancy

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

Blake. Sergeant Cuff never laughed. On the few occasions when anything amused him, he curled up a little at the corners of the lips, nothing more. He curled up now. “Hadn’t you better say

1. Questions or requests for information.
2. Official investigations or examinations.

had been acting in concert with the Indians; and he accordingly proposed shifting his inquiries to the jugglers in the prison at Frizinghall. Hearing of this new move, Mr. Franklin had

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

and taught, and made a sharp girl, and promoted, when old enough, to be Miss Rachel’s own maid. As for me, I went on with my business as bailiff year after year up to Christmas 1847, when

1. A loose, comfortable dress worn for sleeping.
2. A formal evening gown, historically worn by women.

she takes the first opportunity of getting to her room, finds the paint-stain on her nightgown, or petticoat, or whatnot, shams ill and slips away to the town, gets the materials for making a

1. A skirt worn under a dress or outer skirt, typically for added volume or modesty.
2. Historically, a garment worn by women and girls beneath a gown.

them out. The petticoats did it, Sergeant—the petticoats did it.” “Did you notice which petticoat did it?” asked Sergeant Cuff, still addressing himself, not to his brother-officer, but to me.

1. A male given name, often short for "Coburn" or "Jacob."
2. A lump or small mass, especially of coal or ore.

1. A small, non-vascular plant that grows in dense clumps in damp or shady locations.
2. A green or brown plant that forms soft carpets on surfaces like rocks, trees, or soil.

came in with news of the two guests whom I had left in my room. The argument about the white moss rose had apparently come to an end at last. The gardener had gone home, and Sergeant Cuff was

1. A game played with cues and balls on a rectangular table.
2. Relating to the motion of particles in physics.

asked. “Did you meet her accidentally, when she spoke to you?” Mr. Franklin pointed to the billiard-table. “I was knocking the balls about,” he said, “and trying to get this miserable business of

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

a young lady’s advice worth having?” “I shall be glad to hear it, miss.” “Do your duty by yourself—and don’t allow Mr. Franklin Blake to help you!” She said those words so spitefully, so

1. A long passage in a building with doors leading to rooms on either side.
2. A narrow strip of land connecting two larger areas.

and this seemed the fittest time for keeping my word. We found the girl sweeping the corridor outside the bedrooms, pale and composed, and neat as ever in her modest print dress. I noticed a

1. A thing that blocks one's way or hinders progress.
2. A difficulty or problem that must be overcome.

not much disappointed.” I tried to make him explain himself. “Why should Miss Rachel put an obstacle in your way?” I inquired. “Isn’t it her interest to help you?” “Wait a little, Mr.

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

at, Betteredge. Don’t let me frighten you.” It was all very well to say that, but he had frightened me. If he was right, here was our quiet English house suddenly invaded by a devilish Indian

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.

up his telegram, and dismissed the subject. On my way to the stables, to order the pony-chaise, I looked in at the servants’ hall, where they were at dinner. Rosanna Spearman was not among

1. A fortified wine from Spain, typically amber-colored and sweet or dry.
2. A female given name, derived from the French "chérie" meaning "darling."

out again. I tried the dining-room, and discovered Samuel with a biscuit and a glass of sherry, silently investigating the empty air. A minute since, Mr. Franklin had rung furiously for a

1. A written order to a bank to pay a specified sum from one's account.
2. A form of payment ensuring funds are transferred securely.

in this case, have fatally misled him.” There the letter ended. Before presenting the cheque, I asked Sergeant Cuff if he had any remark to make. “It’s no part of my duty, Mr. Betteredge,”

1. Walking with difficulty, typically due to injury or pain in a leg or foot.
2. Moving unevenly or unsteadily.

who was afflicted with a misshapen foot, and who was known in our parts by the name of Limping Lucy. The two deformed girls had, I suppose, a kind of fellow-feeling for each other. Anyway, the

1. A support used under the arm to aid walking, typically used by injured or disabled individuals.
2. Something relied on for support, often excessively or as a dependency.

life. My answer melted Limping Lucy. She bent her head down, and laid it on the top of her crutch. “I loved her,” the girl said softly. “She had lived a miserable life, Mr. Betteredge—vile

1. A sharp, abrupt sound like two hard objects hitting together.
2. To make such a sound repeatedly.

Mr. Godfrey, and having a pretty taste in champagne. Penelope was astonished to find that Miss Clack had not called yet. She would surely not be long before she fastened herself on my lady as

1. A person or business that lends money, often with interest.
2. Someone who provides loans, sometimes at high rates.

from the Yollands on the Monday, I had now heard of the Indians, and heard of the moneylender, in the news from London—Miss Rachel herself remember, being also in London at the time. You

1. A religious song or poem of praise to God.
2. A formal song sung in Christian worship.

entry of the day’s events in my little diary invariably preceded the folding up. The “Evening Hymn” (repeated in bed) invariably followed the folding up. And the sweet sleep of childhood

1. A person who does not belong to a widely held religion.
2. Someone regarded as uncivilized or irreligious.

to communicate. Her mind seemed to be far more perturbed about her daughter than about the heathen rogues and their conspiracy. “You know how odd Rachel is, and how differently she behaves

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

of topping Mr. Godfrey in our young lady’s estimation was, in my opinion, a very poor chance indeed. In the first place, Mr. Godfrey was, in point of size, the finest man by far of the two. He

1. An expression of sorrow, regret, or grief (interjection).
2. Unfortunately or sadly (adverb).

who pounce on us unawares! I could write pages of affectionate warning on this one theme, but (alas!) I am not permitted to improve—I am condemned to narrate. My wealthy relative’s

1. Informal term for mother.
2. (Anatomy) Milk-secreting gland in female mammals.

about quieting yourself with a book after taking your meals.” “I’ll go into the library, mamma,” she answered. “But if Godfrey calls, mind I am told of it. I am dying for more news of him,

1. Relating to or consisting of money.
2. Involving a financial penalty or reward.

you have not the slightest pecuniary interest in Lady Verinder’s will.” Not the slightest pecuniary interest in Lady Verinder’s will. Oh, how thankful I felt when I heard that! If my aunt,

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.

the dinner company were going away,” says Mr. Franklin. “The fellow may have been under the sofa while my aunt and Rachel were talking about where the Diamond was to be put for the night. He

1. A person who does not believe in a particular religion.
2. Someone who rejects or opposes a faith, especially Christianity or Islam.

went downstairs again. On the library table I noticed two of the “amusing books” which the infidel doctor had recommended. I instantly covered them from sight with two of my own precious

1. Fabric panels hung to cover windows for privacy or decoration.
2. Theatrical drapes that open or close a stage.

A third little room opened out of the back drawing-room, from which it was shut off by curtains instead of a door. My aunt’s plain old-fashioned fan was on the chimneypiece. I opened my ninth

1. A package or bundle of items wrapped for transport or delivery.
2. A portion or piece of land, often part of a larger property.

to me by the doctor’s orders! Well might the youthful Samuel shrink when he brought his parcel into my room! Well might he run when he had performed his miserable errand! As to my aunt’s

1. A low upholstered seat or footstool without a back or arms.
2. A storage box with a padded top, often used as a seat.

which it was necessary to observe. He seated himself—unforbidden this time—on the ottoman by her side. “Shall I speak to your dear mother?” he asked. “Or will you?” She declined both

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

of her bedroom door, stood Miss Rachel, almost as white in the face as the white dressing-gown that clothed her. There also stood the two doors of the Indian cabinet, wide open. One of the

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

Colonel’ just now. Search your memory, my old friend, and tell me why.” I saw he was in earnest, and I told him. Here follows the substance of what I said, written out entirely for your

1. A pain in the head, often caused by stress, tension, or illness.
2. A persistent problem or source of difficulty.

saw, and seized, the chance that she had given him. “There is only one remedy for a headache,” said this horrible old man. “A walk, Miss Rachel, is the thing to cure you. I am entirely at

1. A decorative trim of gathered or pleated fabric.
2. The process of adding such trim to garments or textiles.

me of it.” “Yes?” I said, in a tone of gentle interest. Her fingers went back to the frilling, and she turned her head sullenly away from me. I had been met in this manner, in the course of

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).

And when it came to her turn to go out, nine times out of ten she quietly put on her bonnet, and had her turn by herself. She never quarrelled, she never took offence; she only kept a

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.

your hard heart be softened! I freely forgive you!” She pulled down her veil, and tore her shawl away from my hand, and, hurrying out, shut the door in my face. I bore the insult with my

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

Skipp and Smalley which made my course in this matter a comparatively easy one. My common-law clerk (a most competent and excellent man) was a brother of Mr. Smalley’s; and, owing to this sort of

1. A small box or chest for holding valuables, jewelry, or keepsakes.
2. A coffin, especially an ornate one used for burial.

gold. Removing this and a second wrapping of some silken fabric, he placed a little box, or casket, on my table, most beautifully and richly inlaid in jewels, on an ebony ground. “I have come,

1. Taking hold of something suddenly or forcibly.
2. Confiscating property by legal authority.

time! “So far, so good,” resumed Mr. Murthwaite. “The first chance the Indians had of seizing the Diamond was a chance lost, on the day when they were committed to the prison at Frizinghall.

1. The ability to perceive events or information beyond normal senses.
2. Intuitive insight or foresight into future events.

whatever with it, to my mind. “Nor to mine either,” said Mr. Murthwaite. “The clairvoyance in this case is simply a development of the romantic side of the Indian character. It would be

1. The number equivalent to four times ten (40).
2. A term used to describe a quantity or age.

was shorter still. “Jeffco, see what time the tidal train starts tomorrow morning.” “At six-forty, Mr. Franklin.” “Have me called at five.” “Going abroad, sir?” “Going, Jeffco, wherever the

1. A false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
2. The act of making such false statements.

Rachel her birthday present conditionally on her mother being alive?” “I don’t want to slander a dead man, sir,” I answered. “But if he has purposely left a legacy of trouble and danger to his

1. With enthusiasm or sincerity.
2. In a hearty or robust manner.

of Rosanna Spearman, because she has been a good girl to you, and because you pity her heartily. Those humane considerations do you a world of credit, but they happen in this instance to be

1. A dull, heavy sound made by a blow or fall.
2. To hit or strike something with a heavy, dull sound.

uncertainty. My attention was absorbed in following the sound of the girl’s crutch. Thump-thump, up the wooden stairs; thump-thump across the room above our heads; thump-thump down the stairs

1. A signal light or fire used as a guide or warning.
2. A radio transmitter that emits signals for navigation.

Sand at the turn of the tide. To walk out on the South Spit, until I get the South Spit Beacon, and the flagstaff at the Coastguard station above Cobb’s Hole in a line together. To lay down on

1. A drink made of rum mixed with water, often served hot with lemon or spices.
2. Slang for alcoholic beverages in general.

I served it up in my best manner, and enjoyed it most heartily. I had my pipe and my drop of grog afterwards; and then I cleared the table, and washed the crockery, and cleaned the knives and

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

reason for it. Good night.” He looked so worn and pale as he nodded to me, and took his candle to go upstairs, that I ventured to advise his having a drop of brandy-and-water, by way of

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

expecting Mr. Franklin till dinnertime) drove out to lunch with some friends in the neighbourhood. When they were gone, I went and had a look at the bedroom which had been got ready for our

1. Thought deeply or carefully about something.
2. Considered or planned something with intention.

and he desired to see Mr. Luker immediately, on the subject of a purchase which he contemplated making. The gentleman was an enthusiastic collector of Oriental antiquities, and had been for

1. A tincture of opium, historically used as a painkiller or sedative.
2. A medicinal preparation containing opium, alcohol, and other ingredients.

without it … down on him … truth … something besides … excellent … dose of laudanum, sir … bed … what … medicine now.” There, the first of the two sheets of paper came to an

1. Searching or feeling about uncertainly with the hands.
2. Attempting something clumsily or without clear direction.

of medicine immediately. Mr. Franklin replied that a course of medicine, and a course of groping in the dark, meant, in his estimation, one and the same thing. Mr. Candy, hitting back smartly,

1. A large bird of prey, often referring to species in the Buteo genus, known for broad wings and soaring flight.
2. (Informal) A contemptible or greedy person.

last year. When the family left, the buzzard was put away with the other things. When the buzzard was put away—he burst.” “We will except the buzzard then.” Betteredge took a note of the

1. The Roman god of love, often depicted as a winged boy with a bow and arrows.
2. A symbol or representation of love, especially as a cherubic figure.

we moved a statue of a fat naked child—profanely described in the catalogue of the house as ‘Cupid, god of Love.’ He had two wings last year, in the fleshy part of his shoulders. My eye being off

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.

he could say more, his coattail was respectfully pulled by his attendant sprite with the gooseberry eyes. Mr. Bruff looked where the boy was looking. “Hush!” he said. “Here is Mr. Luker!” The

1. A person who works on a ship or boat.
2. Someone skilled in navigating or operating vessels.

in the fresh air. He must not be too well; he must not be too ill. It is a case (as a sailor would say) of very fine steering. He has not heard yet from Mr. Bruff. I found him eager to know

1. Spoken very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. Communicated in a quiet, secretive, or confidential manner.

I saw she had something to say to me. She gave me a kiss on the top of my bald head, and whispered, “News for you, father! Miss Rachel has refused him.” “Who’s ‘him’?” I asked. “The ladies’

1. Covered or suffocated completely, often leading to a lack of air.
2. Suppressed or stifled, as in emotions or actions.

doubt, that he was killed (while he was asleep, or immediately on his waking) by being smothered with a pillow from his bed—that the persons guilty of murdering him are the three Indians—and

1. A journey to a sacred place for religious reasons.
2. A spiritual quest or significant personal journey.

the religious enthusiasm of the people, two of the most famous shrines of Hindu pilgrimage are contained within the boundaries of Kattiawar. One of them is Dwarka, the birthplace of the

1. People who journey to sacred places for religious reasons.
2. Early English settlers in America, notably the Mayflower passengers.

city of Somnauth. A trifling service which I was able to render to one of my fellow-pilgrims, during the third day’s journey, proved the means of introducing me to certain Hindus of the