Chapter XI

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

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

-ing form of “admire” — feel admiration for

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

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

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

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

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

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

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

-ing form of “applaud” — clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

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

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

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

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

on or to one side

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

bewildering or striking dumb with wonder

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

intelligence manifested by being astute (as in business dealings)

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

speaking of yourself in superlatives

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

Scottish author noted for his biography of Samuel Johnson (1740-1795)

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

someone who makes mistakes because of incompetence

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

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

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

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

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

causing one to believe the truth of something

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

dearly loved

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

-ing form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

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

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

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

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

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

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

the younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy; on Edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of England (944-975)

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

an abrupt excited utterance

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

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

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

plural of “failure” — an act that fails

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

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

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

the finger next to the thumb

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

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

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

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

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

fasten with a hook

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

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

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

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

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

incapable of being explained or accounted for

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

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

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

a woman of refinement

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

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

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

United States rock singer (1943-1971)

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

used to form the superlative

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

a form of address for a man

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

plural of “narrative” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

not any; not one

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

a brief written record

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

one who writes novels

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

many times at short intervals

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

and nothing more

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

in other respects or ways

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

an attack that penetrates into enemy territory

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

United States writer and poet (1809-1849)

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

by reasonable assumption

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

on the contrary

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

thinking that is coherent and logical

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

new

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

full of or exhibiting respect

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

change to the contrary

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

term of address for a man

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

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

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

plural of “success” — an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

carry out

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

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

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

the one or ones belonging to them

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

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

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

except if; if not

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.

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

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.

which person or people

From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.