a quotation from the poem “The Seasons” (“Autumn”) by James Thomson (1700 – 1748), a Scottish poet and playwright.
2
Pamela, and Henry, Earl of Moreland – “Pamela” is the title of a novel by Samuel Richardson (1689–1761), “Henry, Earl of Moreland” – a book by John Wesley (1703–1791).
3
Marseilles – strong cotton cloth made in Marseilles, France
4
Guy Fawkes (1570–1606) – a conspirator, executed for attempting to blow up the king and Parliament in 1605.
5
doat – dote on = to be fond of
6
sotto voce – in a very low voice (Italian)
7
“onding on snaw” – on the verge of snowing
8
Collect – a short prayer for a particular day
9
frieze – heavy woolen cloth
10
“Rasselas” – a didactic novel by Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
11
Felix – from the Bible; Felix was a Roman governor who listened to St. Paul’s teaching
12
a moiety – half of the portion
13
en masse – together (French). Here and further on the characters of the book often use French in their communication.
14
Barmecide feast – an imaginary feast, with empty plates, given to a beggar by rich Baghdad nobleman (from “Arabian Nights”)
15
Cuyp-like – as in the pictures of Aelbert Jacobsz Cuyp (1620–1691), Dutch painter
16
references – here: a written testimonial
17
en règle – according to the rules (French)
18
Wolfe, James (1727–1759) – English soldier who was killed when commanding the British capture of Quebec
19
common – a part of the territory in the centre of some district, belonging to or used by a community as a whole
20
negus – kind of mulled wine
21
Quakerlike – Quakers are members of the Christian group known as the Society of Friends; here: modest and strict.
22
C’est là ma gouverante. – It’s my governess.
23
Mais oui, certainement! – Of course she is!
24
canzonette – a small song (Italian)
25
La Ligue des Rats: fable de La Fontaine – “The Rats’ Union,” fable by Jean de La Fontaine
26
Qu’ avez vous donc? lui dit un de ces rats; parlez! – So, what do you have? says one of the rats. Speak up!
27
yonder – there (archaic). Here and later archaic words are used, such as “bairn” – child, “nought” – nothing, etc.
