Chapter XVI · Containing Nothing but Happy Explanations and a Still Happier Love Scene

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

in actual fact

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

(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 Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

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

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

any thing at all

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

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

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

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

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

an informal term for a British policeman

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

waves breaking on the shore

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

the act of breaking something

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

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

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

United States physicist noted for research on x-rays and gamma rays and nuclear energy

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

carefully weighed

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

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

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

dearly loved

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

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

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

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

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

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

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

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

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

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

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

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

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

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

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

past form of “judge” — determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

and nothing more

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

a boy or man

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

go away from a place

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

a particular point in time

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

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

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

common to or shared by two or more parties

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

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

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

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

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

cut with a saw

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

the state of lacking unity

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

the charred portion of a candlewick

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

in the near future

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

express in words

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

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

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

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

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

a just detectable amount

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

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

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

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

From this reading Bobby, at great length, related his adventures from the time he was carried away by the breakers to the present moment.

look attentively

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading “Anyhow,” he said, “before I had quite made up my mind to do it, Bobby settled the question by actually breaking in; and just as soon as I saw him show Chucky Snuff how to do his part, I don’t think I could well have chosen any other way of meeting the situation.”

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

From this reading The hours that followed were given to mutual explanations.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Then John Compton gave his version, pointing out that he had done everything to trace up Mrs. Vernon and that from his knowledge of Bobby picked up in the first hour of meeting he had judged that, all things considered, the best way to watch the lad and keep his mind off the sorrows of separation was to engage him in moving-picture work.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading “And now, mother dear,” said Bobby, “we want you to tell everything about yourself, and don’t leave anything out.”