Chapter XVII

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

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

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

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

plural of “appearance” — outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

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

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

on or to one side

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

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

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

for the reason that

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

a foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

having the shape or form of a circle

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

the distance by which one thing clears another; the space between them

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

a person qualified to practice dentistry

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

being one more than seven

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

-ing form of “excavate” — recover through digging

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

an opening into or through something

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

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

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

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

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

past form of “insert” — put or introduce into something

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

set down according to a plan

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A little wider, please!"

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

machines or machine systems collectively

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

and nothing more

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

painting or drawing included in a book (especially in illuminated medieval manuscripts)

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

plural of “miss” — a young female

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

a particular point in time

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

in a morose manner

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

absolutely essential

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

select carefully from a group

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading A little wider, please!"

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

lying down; in a position of comfort or rest

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

showing firm determination or purpose

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

cut with a saw

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

superlative of “short” — primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

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

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

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

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

create by training and teaching

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

without possibility of mistake

From this reading Hughie realised that he was being called a liar as unmistakably as a man can be; but at this moment the drill came into full operation, and he merely gripped the arms of the chair.

the quality of being attractive and exciting (especially sexually exciting)

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

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

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

comparative of “wide” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading A little wider, please!"

in the company of; together with

From this reading IN WHICH CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, AND HUGHIE MISSES HIS TRAIN The dentist laid aside his excavating pick with a regretful sigh, and began to fit what looked like a miniature circular saw into the end of the electric drill.

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

From this reading Hughie, recumbent in the chair, telling himself resolutely that, appearances to the contrary, the man was doing this because it was really necessary, and not from mere voluptuousness, cautiously inserted his tongue into the hole, and calculated that the final clearance would be a three minutes' job at the shortest.

a late time of life

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "It seems hard to believe," said the dentist morosely, setting the machinery of the drill in motion with his foot, "that your teeth have not been attended to for eight years.