Chapter XV

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

(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 ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

possessive form of “bob” — a former monetary unit in Great Britain

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

made comfortable or more comfortable in a time of distress

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

past form of “deceive” — be false to; be dishonest with

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

-ing form of “describe” — give a description of

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

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

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

possessive form of “elizabeth” — daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

divisible by two

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

willing to give and share unstintingly

From this reading No one could resist the power of Mr. Leslie's generous and overflowing sympathy.

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

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

with hope; in a hopeful manner

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

a change for the better; progress in development

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

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

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading No one could resist the power of Mr. Leslie's generous and overflowing sympathy.

raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

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

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

a form of address for a man

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

not any; not one

From this reading No one could resist the power of Mr. Leslie's generous and overflowing sympathy.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

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

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

covered with water

From this reading No one could resist the power of Mr. Leslie's generous and overflowing sympathy.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading No one could resist the power of Mr. Leslie's generous and overflowing sympathy.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading No one could resist the power of Mr. Leslie's generous and overflowing sympathy.

containing or using responses; alternating

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

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

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

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

From this reading No one could resist the power of Mr. Leslie's generous and overflowing sympathy.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

express in words

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

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

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.

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

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

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

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

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

From this reading But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

(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 But here Major Gordon was too well up in facts and figures to be deceived, and he could not be comforted by false hopes.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading ONE CHANCE OUT OF FIFTY Before Mr. Leslie went to bed that night he had heard all the Gordons could tell him about Bob, and of the fear that lay heavy at their hearts, even since the coming of Elizabeth's message.

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

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

during the time that

From this reading All his happiness in Marian's improvement did not lift the shadow from his mood that night, even while he talked hopefully, describing the vast ship-building scheme which might bring the war to an earlier end than now seemed possible.

the words that are spoken

From this reading He could not put into words his sorrow and deep concern at Bob's misfortune, but his face, as responsive to his thoughts as Marian's own, showed all he felt, and the Gordons spoke to him as they had spoken to no one else.