Chapter V · The Strange Experience of Miss Patricia Maxwell

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

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

(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 “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

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

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

behave as expected during of holidays or rites

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

congenital deformity of the foot usually marked by a curled shape or twisted position of the ankle and heel and toes

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

past form of “deck” — be beautiful to look at

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

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

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

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

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

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

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

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

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

plural of “get” — a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

past form of “grunt” — issue a grunting, low, animal-like noise

From this reading Francis grunted.

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

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

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

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

discontinued temporarily

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

possessive form of “james” — a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

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

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

of grammatical gender

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

according to the clock

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

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

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

-ing form of “resume” — take up or begin anew

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

plural of “rite” — an established ceremony prescribed by a religion

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

express in words

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

a tube running from the liquid in a vessel to a lower level outside the vessel so that gravity forces the liquid through the tube

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

offering safety; well protected or concealed

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

(Greek mythology) a wicked king and son of Zeus; condemned in Hades to stand in water that receded when he tried to drink and beneath fruit that receded when he reached for it

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

plural of “taste” — the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

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

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

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

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading Desmond and Francis Okewood faced each other across the table in the snug living-room of Desmond’s little service flat in Saint James’s.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

create by training and teaching

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

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

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

someone who visits

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

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

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

in or at the place that

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”

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

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading However, a tea-wagon, appropriately decked out, that stood near the window, indicated that a visitor of less masculine tastes was expected.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading The curtains were drawn, for it was five o’clock of a winter evening; and the tantalus, siphon, and glasses which filled the tray between them suggested that the two brothers were prepared to celebrate, in their peculiar fashion, the rites of the hour.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Well,” remarked Desmond, resuming his train of thought which he had interrupted to light a cigarette, “if old Clubfoot, as you say, has any money, I’d like to know where he gets it from, that’s all!”