Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

anew

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

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

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

quick and energetic

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

possessive form of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

at any time

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

opinion or judgment

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

plural of “flight” — a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

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

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

elevated (e.g., mountainous) land

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

located inward

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

for the most time

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

a form of address for a man

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

not any; not one

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

any material used especially to protect something

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

go across or through

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

-ing form of “pore” — direct one's attention on something

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

a person employed to carry luggage and supplies

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

the arrangement of the body and its limbs

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

only a very short time before

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

United States film actor who portrayed incorruptible but modest heros (1908-1997)

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

not in physical motion

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

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

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

the upper part of anything

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

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

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

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

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading This pleased me little enough; and what pleased me less, I thought the clerk was in a good posture to overhear what should pass between us.

at the time that

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

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

From this reading In the inner chamber, which opened from it, a little brisk man sat poring on a deed, from which he scarce raised his eyes upon my entrance; indeed, he still kept his finger in the place, as though prepared to show me out and fall again to his studies.

a midwestern state in north central United States

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The outer room was an office with the clerk's chair at a table spread with law papers.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading THE HIGHLAND WRITER Mr. Charles Stewart the Writer dwelt at the top of the longest stair that ever mason set a hand to; fifteen flights of it, no less; and when I had come to his door, and a clerk had opened it, and told me his master was within, I had scarce breath enough to send my porter packing.

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading "Awa' east and wast wi' ye!" said I, took the money bag out of his hands, and followed the clerk in.