Chapter I

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The stillness was so unbroken that one might almost be said to feel it.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

the hard woody stems of bamboo plants; used in construction and crafts and fishing poles

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The stillness was so unbroken that one might almost be said to feel it.

plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

touched lightly in passing; grazed against

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

a small house with a single story

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

An overhead roof or structure, such as the high vaulted ceiling of an ancient library.

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

make high-pitched sounds

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

a flock of coots

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

a female human offspring

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

cause to become widely known

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

divisible by two

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

resembling or suggesting a feather or feathers

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading The stillness was so unbroken that one might almost be said to feel it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

dazzlingly beautiful

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

small air-breathing arthropod

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The stillness was so unbroken that one might almost be said to feel it.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

not any; not one

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

a brief written record

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The stillness was so unbroken that one might almost be said to feel it.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

weighing heavily on the senses or spirit

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

with speed

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

snacks and drinks served as a light meal

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

provide physical relief, as from pain

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The stillness was so unbroken that one might almost be said to feel it.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

characterized by or preferring solitude

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

not starry; having no stars or starlike objects

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

not in physical motion

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

(poetic) tranquil silence

From this reading The stillness was so unbroken that one might almost be said to feel it.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

closely encircling

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

the act of diluting something

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

push forcefully

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

loud enough to cause (temporary) hearing loss

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

the pursuit (of a person or animal) by following tracks or marks they left behind

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence

From this reading The stillness was so unbroken that one might almost be said to feel it.

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It was the close of the hot season in San Diego, and the thunderous clouds that hung over the island rendered the atmosphere still more oppressive.

at the time that

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The trailing creepers that hung like a gorgeous eastern canopy of crimson and purple and orange from the roof of the verandah, brushed their blossoms against her face, as she thrust it into the night, but they brought no sense of refreshment with them.

showing curiosity

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Not a breath of air stirred the light feathery branches of the bamboo, not even the chirp of a solitary insect could be distinguished from their covert in the long grass, nor a note from the songsters that crowded the surrounding woods.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Liz, the Doctor’s daughter, stood at the open door of their leaf-thatched bungalow, gazing out into the starless night, and wondering when the rain would come, to relieve the intense heat and disseminate the sickness that was so rapidly thinning the population.