Expression: powdery red stone

[Haihao]

Hi,

Would you please help me with the following passages?

[Mister Micawber]

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1. Does the phrase mean 'ferric oxide (or just red color stone) covered with powder and heavy leaden piping'? -- Just 'red-coloured stone'. The plumbing needn't be heavy or leaden; it is merely old and functions poorly.

2. Does it mean 'with General Peckem's signature'? If so, why 'over'? -- Yes. 'Over' because the General's signature is under (at the bottom of) the memoranda.

3. Does it mean 'straightforward'? -- I don't think so; I think it a play on this definition: filled to a height even with the rim of a container: 'a level teaspoon of salt'.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Haihao]

I got level satisfied again, Mr Micawber. Thank you!