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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
ACQUAINTANCE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
ANdeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
aside
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From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
big
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From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
Blake
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From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
blazed
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From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
bold
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From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
bows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
caught
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From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
city
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From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
Close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
currentnounUS /ˈcurrent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
decks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
Dusk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
edge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
elderly
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From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
fading
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From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
falling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
fell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
followed
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From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
gangway
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From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
gleam
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From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
hurried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
maid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
MILLICENT
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From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
passengers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
reaching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
receiving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
RENEWS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
Richard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
ridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
river
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
rope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
sailing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
sharp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
sheds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
shout
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
sidewheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
sky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
slipped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
splash
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
spotlessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
steamer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
stepped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
stream
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
swing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
tiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
towered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
warning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
western
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
wharf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.