used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading If that had been, or was about to be exercised, it would have to be at Simmons’s own expense.
the state of being absent
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
annoyedadjectiveUS /əˈnɔɪd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
ANONYMOUSadjectiveUS /əˈnɑːnəməs/
having no known name or identity or known source
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If that had been, or was about to be exercised, it would have to be at Simmons’s own expense.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
BrookesnounUS /brʊks/
plural of “brooke” — English lyric poet (1887-1915)
From this reading Young Brookes came into the room and took in the situation at a glance.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Young Brookes came into the room and took in the situation at a glance.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
compensatedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmpənseɪtəd/
receiving or eligible for compensation
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
make right or correct
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
having the place or position changed
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
exercisedverbUS /ˈeksərsaɪzd/
past form of “exercise” — put to use
From this reading If that had been, or was about to be exercised, it would have to be at Simmons’s own expense.
expensenounUS /ɪkˈspens/
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading If that had been, or was about to be exercised, it would have to be at Simmons’s own expense.
falsifiedverbUS /ˈfɔːlsəfaɪd/
inflected form of “falsify” — make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
George'snounUS /ˈdʒɔːrdʒəz/
possessive form of “george” — Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Young Brookes came into the room and took in the situation at a glance.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
happeningnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋ/
an event that happens
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/
kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
impostornounUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːstər/
a person who makes deceitful pretenses
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Young Brookes came into the room and took in the situation at a glance.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
involvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlvd/
connected by participation or association or use
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If that had been, or was about to be exercised, it would have to be at Simmons’s own expense.
judgingnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒɪŋ/
the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
a narrow way or road
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
master'snounUS /ˈmæstərz/
possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
not any; not one
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If that had been, or was about to be exercised, it would have to be at Simmons’s own expense.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading If that had been, or was about to be exercised, it would have to be at Simmons’s own expense.
by chance
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
prophecynounUS /ˈprɒf.ə.si/
A prediction of what will happen in the future, often divinely or magically inspired.
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
resembleverbUS /rɪˈzembəl/
appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Young Brookes came into the room and took in the situation at a glance.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
Simmons's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
term of address for a man
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading Young Brookes came into the room and took in the situation at a glance.
required or under orders
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Young Brookes came into the room and took in the situation at a glance.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
ungraciousadjective
lacking charm and good taste
From this reading If Simmons’s account was correct, he did not resemble his supposed uncle in the more ungracious of his qualities.
untowardadjectiveUS /əntuːˈɔːrd/
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
valetnounUS /væˈleɪ/
a manservant who acts as a personal attendant to his employer
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Sir George’s servant had taken advantage of his master’s absence to ask in an acquaintance; he knew the habits of that master too well to believe that there was any hospitality involved in the invitation.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading THE ANONYMOUS LETTER Disturbed as he was at this untoward happening, and perhaps a little annoyed at his prophecy to the valet, that they ran practically no risk of interruption, having been falsified, Lane was compensated by the knowledge that he would have the opportunity of observing this young impostor at close quarters, and judging what manner of man he was.
