Chapter XVI

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

react verbally

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

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

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

hard close-grained wood of any of various birch trees; used especially in furniture and interior finishes and plywood

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

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

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

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

From this reading Still, he had certainly not looked for the matter-of-fact friendliness she displayed.

plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

expressing much in few words

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

to a great extent or degree

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

make right or correct

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

wanted intensely

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading Still, he had certainly not looked for the matter-of-fact friendliness she displayed.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

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

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

set up or found

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

formulation of the plans and important details

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

a feeling of liking for another person; enjoyment in their company

From this reading Still, he had certainly not looked for the matter-of-fact friendliness she displayed.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

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

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

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

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

an instinctive motive

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

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

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

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

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

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

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Still, he had certainly not looked for the matter-of-fact friendliness she displayed.

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

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

not fanciful or imaginative

From this reading Still, he had certainly not looked for the matter-of-fact friendliness she displayed.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

not any; not one

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Still, he had certainly not looked for the matter-of-fact friendliness she displayed.

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

go across or through

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

in a cheerful manner

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

a prophetic vision (as in a dream)

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

the possibility of future success

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

a formal and solemn declaration of objection

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

discretion in practical affairs

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

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

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Still, he had certainly not looked for the matter-of-fact friendliness she displayed.

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

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

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

not in physical motion

From this reading Still, he had certainly not looked for the matter-of-fact friendliness she displayed.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

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

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

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

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

in the direction of

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

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

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

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

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

at the time that

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

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

From this reading He felt that a few hints of regret for happiness thrown away, or, at least, a sorrowful protest or two against the stern necessity which had separated them, would have been considerably more appropriate, and he would have been prepared to offer delicate sympathy.

during the time that

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

which person or people

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading He had been at Prospect a week now, and had on the whole found the time pass pleasantly, though he felt that Carrie's attitude towards him, while no doubt the correct one, left much to be desired from his point of view.

in the company of; together with

From this reading URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE It was falling dusk when Reginald Urmston strolled along the little trail through the birch bluff with one of Leland's cigars in his hand.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.

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

From this reading If he had been asked exactly what he had expected from her when he came there, he would have had some difficulty in framing a concise answer, for he was a man who acted on impulse, without prevision, or any great strength of purpose.