Chapter XVII · A Shock

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

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

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

a small house with a single story

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

true confidential information

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

any strong feeling

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

divisible by two

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

possessive form of “fisherman” — someone whose occupation is catching fish

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

set up or found

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

have an emotional or cognitive impact upon

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

the act of indulging or gratifying a desire

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

and nothing more

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

superlative of “kind” — having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

make reference to

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

a particular point in time

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

clean or organized

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

past form of “pour” — cause to run

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

correct or appropriate behavior

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

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

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

past form of “repulse” — force or drive back

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

change to the contrary

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

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

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

the place where some action occurs

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

protected from danger or bad weather

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

inflected form of “shun” — avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

a lack of order and tidiness; not cared for

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

possessive form of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

having spots or patches (small areas of contrasting color or texture)

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

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

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If Conyers had been in the frame of mind to notice it, the contrast between the neat propriety of the “Fisherman's Home,” and the disorder and slovenliness of the little inn at Inistioge could not have failed to impress itself upon him.

precisely as stated

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

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

From this reading The “Spotted Duck” was certainly, in all its details, the very reverse of that quiet and picturesque cottage he had just quitted.

accept gladly

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But what did he care at that moment for the roof that sheltered him, or the table that was spread before him?

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

From this reading For days back he had been indulging in thoughts of that welcome which Miss Barrington had promised him.

which person or people

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

the words that are spoken

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

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

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.

a late time of life

From this reading He fancied how, on the mere mention of his father's name, the old man's affection would have poured forth in a flood of kindest words; he had even prepared himself for a scene of such emotion as a father might have felt on seeing one who brought back to mind his own son's earlier years; and instead of all this, he found himself shunned, avoided, repulsed.