100 words to know before reading The Prisoner of Zenda

1. A congenital absence of one or more limbs at birth.
2. A given name of Latin origin meaning "work" or "industrious."

“I rather like them myself,” said I, and, rising, I bowed to the portrait of Countess Amelia. My brother’s wife uttered an exclamation of impatience. “I wish you’d take that picture away,

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

the discussion—and also, I must admit, of exasperating my strict little sister-in-law a trifle more—I observed: “I rather like being an Elphberg myself.” When I read a story, I skip the

1. A journey or voyage for a specific purpose, such as exploration or research.
2. A group of people undertaking such a journey.

with Elphberg hair in our galleries, and yet more heartily when he heard that my expedition to Ruritania was a secret one. “You have to visit your disreputable cousin on the sly, have you?”

1. The reflexive form of "we," referring to the speaker and others.
2. Used for emphasis to indicate "we" and no one else.

passage. Then we came to a stout oak door. Sapt unlocked it. We passed through, and found ourselves in a quiet street that ran along the back of the palace gardens. A man was waiting for us with

1. Made a low, rough sound, often in anger or irritation.
2. Spoke in a deep, harsh voice.

“if I knew who you were talking about.” “Antoinette Mauban,” said George. “De Mauban,” growled Bertram. “Oho!” said I, passing by the question of the de. “You don’t mean to say, Bert—?”

1. The ceremony of crowning a monarch.
2. The act of officially investing a sovereign with regal power.

not in Paris now, is he?” I asked. “Oh no! He’s gone back to be present at the king’s coronation; a ceremony which, I should say, he’ll not enjoy much. But, Bert, old man, don’t despair! He

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

for a draught of wine and to bait our horses, losing half an hour thus. I dared not go into the inn, and stayed with the horses in the stable. Then we went ahead again, and had covered some

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

duke’s keeper. He has seen the king.” “Ah, yes. The king, sir, is now at the duke’s hunting lodge in the forest here; from here he goes to Strelsau to be crowned on Wednesday morning.” I was

1. Spoke quietly or indistinctly, often in a grumbling or complaining tone.
2. Expressed something in a low or suppressed voice.

answered Tarlenheim, holding out his hand, which I took readily. “Rassendyll, Rassendyll!” muttered Colonel Sapt; then a gleam of intelligence flitted across his face. “By Heaven!” he cried,

1. Taken by force or legal authority.
2. Grasped suddenly and firmly.

when “Black Michael” desired company, he could dwell in his château; if a fit of misanthropy seized him, he had merely to cross the bridge and draw it up after him (it ran on rollers), and nothing

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

said Sapt. “I’ll do it.” “Hang you!” he grinned. “I make you a king, and—Well, do it. Go and fetch him, while I look to the horses. He can’t lie very deep, but I doubt if he’ll care about that.

1. A strip of hair grown above the upper lip.
2. Facial hair between the nose and mouth, often styled.

be the king!” The idea seemed whimsical enough for a dream: by the sacrifice of my heavy moustache and carefully pointed imperial, I was to be transformed into a monarch! I was about to kiss the

1. A German male given name, short for Friedrich.
2. (informal) A state of disorder or malfunction (e.g., "on the fritz").

said I. “Thy head betrayeth thee,” he chuckled, pointing to my uncovered poll. “Why, Fritz, you know the story?” The young man glanced apologetically at me. He felt a delicacy which my

1. A title of respect for a king or male ruler.
2. The male parent of an animal, especially a horse or dog.

I shall very gladly add to it what services I can. Where are you travelling to?” “To Strelsau, sire—to the coronation.” The king looked at his friends: he still smiled, though his expression

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

heartily when I told him of the portraits with Elphberg hair in our galleries, and yet more heartily when he heard that my expedition to Ruritania was a secret one. “You have to visit your

1. A short, sharp sound made to express disapproval or attract attention.
2. A private lesson or instruction, often one-on-one.

Then I stole back to my place on tiptoe. “I can’t open it!” I cried. “The latch has caught.” “Tut! I’ll open it!” cried Detchard. “Nonsense, Bersonin, why not? Are you afraid of one man?” I

1. To speak very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. A quiet or secretive conversation.

and slow. We three looked at one another. “Was it drugged—that last bottle?” I asked in a whisper. “I don’t know,” said Sapt. “We must get a doctor.” “There’s none within ten miles, and a

1. Raised one's shoulders briefly to express indifference, doubt, or lack of knowledge.
2. Past tense of "shrug," indicating the action was completed.

von Tarlenheim. “Not we—with our new cousin for a guest!” cried the king; and, as Fritz shrugged his shoulders, he added: “Oh! I’ll remember our early start, Fritz.” “So will I—tomorrow

1. A boy or young man (informal).
2. A lively or mischievous young man.

the king!” Old Sapt’s mouth wrinkled into a smile. “God save ’em both!” he whispered. “Courage, lad!” and I felt his hand press my knee.

1. In a stern, harsh, or forbidding manner.
2. With a gloomy or somber expression.

bloom lodged in my horse’s mane, and I took it and stuck it in my coat. The marshal smiled grimly. I had stolen some glances at his face, but he was too impassive to show me whether his

1. A handgun with a revolving cylinder holding multiple bullets.
2. A person or thing that revolves or turns.

weapon ready,” whispered Sapt. “We must stop his mouth, if he talks.” I put my hand on my revolver. Sapt hailed the doorkeeper. The stars fought for us! A little girl of fourteen tripped out.

1. A narrow strip of fabric used for decoration or tying.
2. An award or honor in the form of a colored strip.

all in white, except my boots. I wore a silver helmet with gilt ornaments, and the broad ribbon of the Rose looked well across my chest. I should be paying a poor compliment to the king if I

1. Adorned with ornaments or embellishments to enhance appearance.
2. Honored with a medal, award, or title for achievement.

He wore the yellow and red ribbon of the Red Rose of Ruritania—which, by the way, decorated my unworthy breast also. “Marshal Strakencz,” whispered Sapt, and I knew that I was in the

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

“God save the king!” Old Sapt’s mouth wrinkled into a smile. “God save ’em both!” he whispered. “Courage, lad!” and I felt his hand press my knee.

1. To welcome someone with words or gestures.
2. To acknowledge someone's arrival or presence.

my dear cousin, that nothing in my life has affected me more than the reception I’ve been greeted with today.” She smiled brightly, but in an instant grew grave again, and whispered: “Did you

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

impossible for him to come to the station, but he craved leave to await his Majesty at the cathedral. I expressed my concern, accepted the marshal’s excuses very suavely, and received the

1. A high-ranking official in the Catholic Church.
2. A bright red color.

of the brilliant throng that filled it, I hardly distinguished the stately figure of the cardinal as he rose from the archiepiscopal throne to greet me. Two faces only stood out side by side

1. The hard, horny part of the feet of certain animals, like horses or cows.
2. (Verb) To walk or trample heavily.

“There we shall learn the truth.” For an instant the duke hesitated. “I thought I heard hoofs,” said he. “I think not, your Highness.” “Why shouldn’t we go to the lodge?” “I fear a trap. If

1. Small squares of fabric used for wiping the nose or face.
2. Decorative cloth accessories carried in pockets or purses.

wide open. “They found the old woman,” said I. “You might have known that from the handkerchiefs,” he said. Then we came opposite the door of the wine cellar. It was shut. It looked in all

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

table and struck a light, and, as I returned, I felt the hot wax drip on my naked hand as the candle swayed to and fro; so that I cannot afford to despise Colonel Sapt for his agitation. I came to

1. Smiled broadly, showing teeth.
2. Expressed amusement, pleasure, or satisfaction with a wide smile.

out of the window, I saw the towers and spires of a great city. “Your capital, my liege,” grinned old Sapt, with a wave of his hand, and, leaning forward, he laid his finger on my pulse. “A

1. A suit in playing cards marked with black, pointed symbols.
2. A tool with a sharp-edged metal blade used for digging.

towards the door of the house. Just inside I laid him down, remembering that I must find spades for our task. At this instant Sapt came up. “The horses are all right; there’s the own brother to

1. A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and absurd situations.
2. A ridiculous or empty show; mockery.

night.” The young gentleman (he reminded me of Osric in Hamlet) bowed himself out again. The farce was over, and Fritz von Tarlenheim’s pale face recalled us to reality—though, in faith, the

1. A senior government official, often the head of government in some countries.
2. The chief executive of a university or college.

interest, and was met with shouts of approval. The princess was very popular, and the chancellor himself had not scrupled to hint to me that the more I pressed my suit, and the more rapidly I

1. Payment made to an owner for the use of their property, such as patents or minerals.
2. A monarch or members of a royal family.

“They had been, not six, but four, by now.” I had already developed one attribute of royalty—a feeling that I need not reveal all my mind or my secret designs even to my intimate friends. I

1. The customary code of polite behavior in society.
2. Rules governing socially acceptable conduct.

of my tastes, pursuits, weaknesses, friends, companions, and servants. He told me the etiquette of the Ruritanian court, promising to be constantly at my elbow to point out everybody whom I

1. Respectful submission or yielding to the judgment or opinion of another.
2. Polite regard or consideration for someone's wishes or authority.

you mean that I am one?” “Your Majesty could not be,” she said, curtseying in feigned deference, but adding, mischievously, after a pause: “Unless, that is—” “Well, unless what?” “Unless you

1. A small room leading to a larger one; a waiting area.
2. A lobby or vestibule before a main room.

moments we sat in silence. The noise outside subsided, but I heard the tread of feet in the anteroom. I began to talk on general subjects. This went on for some minutes. I wondered what had become

1. A portable light source with a protective case, often with a handle.
2. A decorative or architectural structure with openings to emit light.

path and, turning to the right as I had been bidden, I followed it cautiously. My lantern was closed, the revolver was in my hand. I heard not a sound. Presently a large dark object

1. A device for holding a door or gate closed, typically a bar that fits into a notch.
2. To fasten or secure with a latch.

back a little, gentlemen, or I shall hit you when I open it.” I went and fumbled with the latch. Then I stole back to my place on tiptoe. “I can’t open it!” I cried. “The latch has caught.”

1. A small crack or narrow opening in a surface.
2. A slight, sharp ringing sound, like that of metal or glass striking lightly.

of whispers. “They are treacherous.” “That seems handsome,” said I, reconnoitering through the chink. They were all close together, just outside the door now. I had probed the hearts of the

1. Soft, quiet speech or sounds made by speaking very softly.
2. Secretive or confidential talk, often implying gossip or rumors.

and fifty thousand pounds English.” “No, no,” whispered Antoinette in the lowest of whispers. “They are treacherous.” “That seems handsome,” said I, reconnoitering through the chink. They

1. Making a facial expression showing displeasure or worry by lowering the eyebrows.
2. Looking disapproving or stern.

there’s another problem for you. Do you find the answer?” “Yes, I find it,” he answered, frowning heavily. “But if you did that, you’d have to fight me first—and kill me.” “Well, and if I

1. To make or become quiet or silent.
2. A silence or calm, especially after noise.

suffer our duke to be crowned on Wednesday. That I wish, and I don’t care who knows it.” “Hush, mother!” urged the daughters. “Oh, there’s many to think as I do!” cried the old woman

1. High rank, status, or distinction in a particular field.
2. A title of honor for a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.

Then I drew her to me and kissed her twice on the cheek, and she blushed red, and—then his Eminence the Cardinal Archbishop slipped in front of Black Michael, and kissed my hand and presented me

1. A wild pig or swine, especially a male one.
2. An uncastrated domestic male pig.

XI Hunting a Very Big Boar The terrible temptation which was assailing me will now be understood. I would so force Michael’s

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

him! For the triumphant issue which would crown him with happiness and unite him to his mistress, the success for which we were bound to hope and strive and struggle, meant to me sorrow more

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

her, and become king in fact, and soon in name. Do you see?” “It’s a pretty plot. But why, madame, do you—?” “Say I’m a Christian—or say I’m jealous. My God! shall I see him marry her? Now go;

1. Carried or transported by something (e.g., "water-borne diseases").
2. Past participle of "bear" (e.g., "she has borne the burden").

to you now. Let him be what he may, and who he may, what say you of the manner in which he has borne himself as king in Strelsau?” The old man, holding my hand, spoke to me, man to man. “I have

1. To shed tears as an expression of emotion, such as sadness or joy.
2. To exude liquid slowly, like a weeping wound or tree.

“you must take my place; you’ll be the only one of the House then. You must reign, and not weep for me.” For a moment she drew herself up like a very queen. “Yes, I will!” she said. “I will

1. Uncommon in occurrence or experience.

the Count Stanislas von Tarlenheim. Count Stanislas himself was a student and a recluse. He seldom visited the house, and had, on Fritz’s request, very readily and courteously offered me its

1. A bright red color with a slightly orange tinge.
2. A type of high-quality woolen cloth, often dyed red.

the gossip ran that many a lady had troubled her heart for him already. “If my brother has scarlet fever,” said I, “he is nearer my complexion than he is wont to be, my lord. I trust he does not

1. Casual or idle talk about others, often involving rumors or personal details.
2. A person who habitually spreads such talk.

in charge of the house.” “Johann turned housemaid?” The little girl was brimming over with gossip. “Well, there are no others,” said she. “There’s not a woman there—not as a servant, I mean.

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

“The gentleman is no worse than when he saw you last,” said I, throwing away my cloak. She started, with a little shriek. Then she cried: “It was the king, then! I told mother so the

1. To join or come together again after being separated.
2. To reply or respond, especially in a sharp or witty manner.

by treachery in the duke’s followers.” “You can leave that out,” said Sapt. “I hope not,” I rejoined, “because the other I was about to mention is—by a miracle from heaven!”

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

chair. “I have drunk enough,” said he. “Far be it from me to contradict the king,” said I. Indeed, his remark was most absolutely true—so far as it went. While I yet spoke, Josef came and set

1. Moved suddenly and quickly in a particular direction.
2. Threw or shot something like a dart.

down below before I go myself, so help me heaven! Sit in that chair, man.” I obeyed him. He darted from the room, calling “Josef! Josef!” In three minutes he was back, and Josef with him. The

1. A rope or strap used to lead or tie an animal, typically a horse.
2. A type of women's top with straps that tie behind the neck and back.

a gentleman.” I began to laugh. “And you?” I asked. “I do,” he said. “Well, well, the halter be it.” “I’m sorry you won’t live to see it,” I observed. “Has his Majesty done me the honour to

1. A deep, wide ditch filled with water, typically surrounding a castle or fort for defense.
2. A protective barrier or advantage that prevents competition in business or finance.

but was always lighted with candles; the inner had one square window, which gave upon the moat. In the outer room there lay always, day and night, three of the Six; and the instructions of

1. Restricted within limits; not free to move or act.
2. Enclosed or shut in a space.

head I was eaten up with a curiosity to see it. After all, red hair and long noses are not confined to the House of Elphberg, and the old story seemed a preposterously insufficient reason for

1. A short, thick stick used as a weapon.
2. To beat or strike with a cudgel.

done, Rupert!” cried a voice. “They’re three to one. Save yourself!” I ran on, holding my cudgel in my hand. Suddenly a horse came towards me. A man was on it, leaning over his shoulder. “Are

1. A faint or brief light or glow.
2. A flash of light, often reflected.

beside me. “The king? My God! the king?” he whispered hoarsely. I threw the candle’s gleam over every inch of the cellar. “The king is not here,” said I.

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

XV I Talk with a Tempter Ruritania is not England, or the quarrel between Duke Michael and myself could not have gone on, with the extraordinary incidents which

1. A temporary agreement between enemies to stop fighting.
2. A pause or cessation of hostilities.

revolvers pointed full at the door. “Will you let us in? We pledge our honour to observe the truce.” “Don’t trust them,” whispered Antoinette. “We can speak through the door,” said I. “But you

1. A law or regulation enacted by a local government authority.
2. A religious rite or ceremony.

of Lauengram.” “Sir,” said I, “no one regrets the unfortunate affair more than I. My ordinance, which I mean to have obeyed, is witness to it.” “Poor fellow!” said Flavia softly, and I saw

1. A senior student with authority in some schools.
2. A chief officer or magistrate in ancient Rome.

X A Great Chance for a Villain It was the custom that the Prefect of Police should send every afternoon a report to me on the condition of the capital and the

1. Moved at a pace faster than walking, with a light, bouncy gait (usually referring to horses or similar animals).
2. Walked or moved briskly but not hurriedly (used for humans or animals).

Rupert it was, and directly afterwards, waving to the procession to stand still, Rupert trotted up to me. He was in a frock-coat, tightly buttoned, and trousers. He wore an aspect of sadness,

1. A light two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle for one person.
2. Moody, sullen, or silently resentful in behavior.

have better reason to be sad at his own,” observed Sapt, with a grim smile. As for me, I grew sulky; unreasonable it was perhaps, for what better business had I to look at her with love than had

1. A formal engagement to marry; a mutual promise of marriage.
2. The period of time between engagement and marriage.

not be one for my own; and if the king is not alive and on his throne before the day of betrothal comes, I will tell the truth, come what may.” “You shall go, lad,” said Sapt. Here is the plan I

1. A period of two weeks (14 days).
2. Commonly used in British and Australian English.

to act before that.” “Then,” said I, “the king may live.” “Well, and if he does?” “For a fortnight?” I asked simply. And Sapt bit his moustache. Suddenly Fritz von Tarlenheim laid his hand on my

1. News or information about recent events.
2. Reports or updates, often of a significant nature.

for his life, again found means to visit us. He had been waiting on the duke when the tidings came. Black Michael’s face had grown blacker still, and he had sworn savagely; nor was he better

1. Shaking involuntarily, typically due to fear, cold, or weakness.
2. A quivering or vibrating movement.

and the physician having been introduced into the king’s cell, had come forth pale and trembling, and urgently prayed the duke to let him go back and meddle no more in the affair; but the duke

1. Betrayal of trust or confidence.
2. Deceitful or dishonest behavior.

this query to himself, would answer confidently, “None;” while, even if Johann meant treachery, he did not know my scheme, and would doubtless expect to see me, at the head of my friends,

1. A point of access or entry, such as a door or gate.
2. The act of entering or coming in.

be run across the moat without application to him.” “And where do you sleep?” “In the entrance hall of the château, with five servants.” “Armed?” “They have pikes, sir, but no firearms. The

1. A seat for a rider on a horse or bicycle.
2. A cut of meat including part of the backbone.

aloud, “That’s not the king!” Well, we went by; and then the marshal, turning round in his saddle, waved his hand, and the Cuirassiers closed round us, so that the crowd could not come near me.

1. Bent low with the knees and upper body close to the ground.
2. Positioned oneself in a low, compact stance, often to hide or prepare for movement.

inches, making a ledge; and I stood on it, out of water from my armpits upwards. Then I crouched and peered through the darkness under the pipe, where, curving, it left a space. There was a man

1. Movable covers for windows to control light or provide privacy.
2. Devices on cameras that open and close to expose film or sensor to light.

all my friends, on the terrace at Tarlenheim. Suddenly the duke’s window grew bright. The shutters were not closed, and the interior became partially visible to me as I cautiously raised myself

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

Michael.” And the king seized the bottle and turned it over his mouth, and drained it and flung it from him, and laid his head on his arms on the table. And we drank pleasant dreams to his

1. Slightest or most minimal in degree or amount.
2. Weakest or barely perceptible, as in sound or light.

behind its shutters. The light burnt steadily in Mme. de Mauban’s window. Then I heard the faintest, faintest sound; it came from behind the door which led to the drawbridge on the other side of

1. A loud, sharp, piercing cry or sound.
2. To utter a loud, sharp cry or noise.

the château and the old castle till he had tried conclusions with me. There was another shriek. Then a door was flung open and clanged against the wall, and I heard the handle of a door

1. Intense or aggressive in nature.
2. Violent or forceful in action.

and, before I knew what he was doing, had turned his sword against the king. He made one fierce cut at the king, and the king, with a piteous cry, dropped where he stood. The stout ruffian

1. Lacking strength or clarity; barely perceptible.
2. A sudden loss of consciousness.

anything to ask, sire, before we part?” The king’s voice followed. It was his, though it was faint and hollow—different from the merry tones I had heard in the glades of the forest. “Pray my

1. Handguns with a rotating cylinder holding multiple bullets.
2. People or things that revolve or rotate.

was flung back. The gleam of a lantern showed me the three close together outside, their revolvers levelled. With a shout, I charged at my utmost pace across the summerhouse and through the

1. Gathered closely together in a group, often for warmth or comfort.
2. Crouched or curled up, usually due to cold, fear, or discomfort.

as if he were dead, for he had a great gash across his forehead, and he lay still in a huddled heap on the floor. I dropped on my knees beside him, and leant my ear down to hear if he

1. A sudden intense feeling of fear or alarm.
2. A person or thing that causes fear or shock.

them; their faces were pale and agitated. To put it plainly, they looked in as arrant a fright as I have seen men look, and they gazed apprehensively at a man who stood in the middle of the

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

she’d heard nothing,” said he; “but to make sure I tied her legs together and put a handkerchief in her mouth and bound her hands, and locked her up in the coal cellar, next door to the king.

1. Elegantly beautiful or refined in movement, form, or manner.
2. Characterized by kindness, courtesy, or charm.

across the platform. Following him with my eyes, I saw him lift his hat and accost a graceful, fashionably dressed woman who had just appeared from the booking office. She was, perhaps, a

1. A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony.
2. A defensive wall or elevation in fortifications.

wild wonder, “The king!” and then I, like Rupert of Hentzau, sword in hand, vaulted over the parapet, intent on finishing my quarrel with him where I saw his curly head fifteen yards off in the

1. Felt intense dislike or disgust for someone or something.
2. Hated or detested strongly.

from the king, as the reward for her assistance. His triumph she did not desire, for she loathed his crime, and loathed yet more fiercely what would be the prize of it—his marriage with his

1. No (archaic or formal negative response).
2. A negative vote or voter.

asked I, taking hold of the other side of the candlestick, “does colour matter in a man?” “Nay, but I love yours—it’s the Elphberg red.” “Colour in a man,” said I, “is a matter of no more

1. Past tense and past participle of kneel, meaning to rest on one's knees.
2. To bend down or lower oneself onto the knees, often as a sign of respect or submission.

an hour on him,” said Fritz. “He drank three times what either of you did,” growled Sapt. I knelt down and felt his pulse. It was alarmingly languid and slow. We three looked at one another. “Was

1. To cry noisily with gasping breaths (verb).
2. A sound made while crying or in distress (noun).

not the king,” said old Sapt again; and a sudden sob broke from tenderhearted Fritz. It was the sob that told her no comedy was afoot. “He is the king!” she cried. “It is the king’s face—the

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

As George talked, I saw her glance at me, and my vanity was hurt by the thought that, muffled in a fur coat and a neck-wrapper (for it was a chilly April day) and wearing a soft travelling

1. A small place of worship, often within a larger institution like a school or hospital.
2. A religious service held in such a place.

Michael lay in his coffin, and Antoinette de Mauban watched by him; had I not heard, from the chapel, priests singing mass for him? Outside there were strange rumours afloat. Some said that the

1. Past tense of "cling" – held tightly or stuck firmly to something.
2. Remained emotionally attached or dependent on someone or something.

he ventured to hint once again that my life was too valuable, I, knowing the secret thought he clung to, sternly bade him be silent, assuring him that unless the king lived through the night, I

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 drew herself away from me and stood against the wall, while I sat on the edge of the sofa, trembling in every limb, knowing what I had done—loathing it, obstinate not to undo it. So we

1. Past tense and past participle of "wring," meaning to twist or squeeze something to remove liquid.
2. Forced out or extracted by twisting or pressing.

to laugh: “Heaven doesn’t always make the right men kings!” Old Sapt twisted his mouth as he wrung my hand. “The devil has his share in most things,” said he. The people at the station looked

1. Experts in diplomacy, skilled in managing international relations.
2. Officials representing their country in foreign negotiations.

regaled me with a great deal of what he called “inside information” (known only to diplomatists), as to the true course of events in Ruritania, the plots and counterplots. In his opinion, he

1. Kind, courteous, and pleasant in manner.
2. Elegant and tasteful in appearance or style.

at the court of Ruritania?” My sister-in-law looked at the portrait, and then at me. “Good gracious!” she said, and flung the photograph down on the table. “What do you say, Bob?” I asked.

1. A feeling or intuition that something is about to happen, especially something negative.
2. A vague sense of foreboding or anticipation.

my hand grip and the blood move quicker through my veins; and the hint of Fate—the presentiment—seems to grow stronger and more definite, and to whisper insistently in my ear that I have yet a