Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

a feeling of delighted approval and liking

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

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

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

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

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

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

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

cover from sight

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

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

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

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

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

possessive form of “colleague” — an associate that one works with

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

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

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

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

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

characterized by intense emotion

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

past form of “frown” — look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval

From this reading On receiving the message Anstice frowned.

not fake or counterfeit

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

an established custom

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

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

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

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

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

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

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

requiring attention or action

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

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

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

and nothing more

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

made light by aerating, as with yeast or baking powder; often used as a combining form

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

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

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

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

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

the time between one event, process, or period and another

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

the state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

the quality of being unclear or abstruse and hard to understand

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On receiving the message Anstice frowned.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

and nothing more

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

in an open way

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading On receiving the message Anstice frowned.

-ing form of “request” — express the need or desire for

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

the act of searching for something

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

a physician who specializes in surgery

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "That you, Willows?

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

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

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

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

compelling immediate action

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

precisely as stated

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

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

From this reading Just as Anstice was starting out next morning an urgent telephone message came through, requesting his help at a suddenly imperative operation at a country house some miles distant.

accept gladly

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

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

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

which person or people

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

cheerful compliance

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

plural of “willow” — any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading There were those who could have given a very good guess at the reasons which led Anstice to shun notoriety and welcome the obscurity of Littlefield; but in the meantime Dr. Willows was left to wonder in vain; though his wonder was leavened with a genuine admiration for his colleague's skill, and a fervent gratitude for the other man's unwearying willingness to give his aid.

showing curiosity

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Although he had been in the district only a few months, Anstice was already known to his professional brothers as a daring and skilful surgeon; and one man--the one who now called upon his services--was in the habit of wondering openly why so brilliant a man was content to bury himself in the country instead of seeking fame and fortune in some one of the big cities of the world.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "That you, Willows?