used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
matters of personal concern
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
(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 They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE FATHER’S DAY AT THE OFFICE.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
Brownlow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
rid of obstructions
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading THE FATHER’S DAY AT THE OFFICE.
disagreeableadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/
not to your liking
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
dogcartnoun
a cart drawn by a dog
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
one or the other of two
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
FATHER'SnounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading THE FATHER’S DAY AT THE OFFICE.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
a small worthless amount
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
justifiableadjectiveUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪəbəl/
capable of being justified
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
leisurelyadverbUS /ˈliːzərli/
in an unhurried way or at one's convenience
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
a form of address for a man
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading THE FATHER’S DAY AT THE OFFICE.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
with low volume
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
on the contrary
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
Sara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
only a very short time before
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
son'snounUS /sʌnz/
possessive form of “son” — a male human offspring
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
make steady
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FATHER’S DAY AT THE OFFICE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
theirspronounUS /ðerz/
the one or ones belonging to them
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
a special situation
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading His mind was much more intent upon his own affairs than were those of either of his children on theirs.
vacancynounUS /ˈveɪkənsi/
being unoccupied
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
precisely as stated
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
which person or people
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
in the company of; together with
From this reading While Sara and Jack were thus enjoying themselves, Mr. Brownlow went quietly in to his business--very quietly, in the dogcart, with his man driving, who was very steady, and looked as comfortable as his master.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading They had so much time in life to do all they meant to do, that they could afford to set out leisurely, and go forth upon the world with a sweet vacancy in their minds, ready for any thing that might turn up; but with Mr. Brownlow it was not so; his objects had grown to be very clear before him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Mr. Brownlow was rather pleased not to have his son’s company that morning; he had something to do which he could scarcely have done had Jack been there--business which was quite justifiable, and indeed right, but which it would have been a disagreeable matter to have explained to Jack.
