Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

-ing form of “adopt” — choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

later than; following

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

(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 The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

surprising greatly

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

on or to one side

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

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

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

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

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

a youthful male person

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

the state of being imprisoned

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

for the most part

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

possessive form of “christopher” — Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

occurring or operating at the same time

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

power to direct or determine

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

refuse to acknowledge

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

the power to withstand hardship or stress

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

past form of “erect” — construct, build, or erect

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

divisible by two

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

brought together in one place

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

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

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

evasively worded in order to avoid an unqualified statement

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

of great significance or value

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

in such a manner as could not be otherwise

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

a message received and understood

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

(anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

in order that something should not happen

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

a means or instrumentality for storing or communicating information

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

Recollections of past events.

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

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

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

a form of address for a man

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

not any; not one

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

held or filled or in use

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

on one occasion

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

and nothing more

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

above and across; more than

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

a human being

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

having a point

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

The protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power. (Sự quan phòng, thiên ý phù hộ.)

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

on the contrary

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

a male human offspring

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading They stayed in town all that summer.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading They stayed in town all that summer.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading They stayed in town all that summer.

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

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading They stayed in town all that summer.

past form of “tremble” — move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

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

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

at the time that

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.

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

From this reading Mr. Aston was acting as Secretary to a rather important Commission and even when it was not sitting he was employed in gathering in information which could only be obtained in London.

in a willing manner

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

From this reading But after the first evening Aymer Aston betrayed by no sign whatever that the past had any power to harm him through the medium of little Christopher, and his father grew daily more satisfied and content over the wisdom of their joint action.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When Aymer had first approached him on the subject of adopting a boy he had consented willingly enough, but when, coincident with this, Fate--or Providence--had pointed out to them the person of Christopher Hibbault, he, Mr. Aston, though he agreed it was impossible to disregard the amazing chance, had sighed to himself and trembled lest the carefully erected edifice of control and endurance that hedged in his son should be unequal to the strain.

a late time of life

From this reading The question that chiefly occupied Mr. Aston's mind during the first days of Christopher's advent was whether Aymer had gathered in those ten long years of captivity sufficient strength of purpose to set aside once and for all the sharp emotions and memories the boy's presence must inevitably awake.