Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
access
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
act
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
advantage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
Andrews
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
arrived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
awaited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
beard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
belong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
blue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
carry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
cheeks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
Churchyard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
conscious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
constituted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
desirousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪərəs/
having a strong wish to do or obtain something
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
disagreeable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
disgustnounUS /dɪsˈɡʌst/
a strong feeling of dislike or sickness caused by something unpleasant
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
documents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
existence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
field
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
gaining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
Gladys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
granted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
individual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
life-long
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
managing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
needs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
Paul's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
peril
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
persons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
pointed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
prepared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
private
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
reached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
refractory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
relative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
representative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
sole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
SPREADING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
square-jawed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
struggle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Mr. Andrews, the managing man, the other was a square-jawed individual, whose blue cheeks pointed to a life-long struggle with a refractory beard.
surprise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
Taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
uncle's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading To his disgust he found that at least two persons were in front of him, and that they were both in what had been his uncle's private room.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To that end he arrived before his usual time, being conscious that this was an occasion on which it might be an advantage to be first on the field.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
WINGS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SPREADING HIS WINGS A disagreeable surprise awaited him when he reached St. Paul's Churchyard.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Taking it for granted that everything would now belong to Gladys, he was prepared to act as her representative and sole relative, and, if needs be, carry things off with a high hand--above and beyond all else, he was desirous of gaining access to certain documents whose existence constituted a peril to him.
