Chapter XXXVIII · Chapter 38

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

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

called to public attention

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

later than; following

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

how long something has existed

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

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

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

(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 After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

from appearances alone

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

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

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

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

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

giving confidence

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

a rapid active commotion

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

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

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

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

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

mark as different

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

the act of passengers and crew getting aboard a ship or aircraft

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

plural of “farewell” — an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

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

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

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

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

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

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

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

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

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

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

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

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

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

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

a particular point in time

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

according to the clock

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

fully extended especially in length

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

in the near future

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

on the contrary

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

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

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

express in words

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.

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

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

having a supporting base

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

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

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

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

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

the topmost one of two

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

precisely as stated

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

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

From this reading The Vaterland was advertised to sail at one o'clock, and it wanted but fifteen or twenty minutes of the hour.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

(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 Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

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

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

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

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

which person or people

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading After assuring himself that his belongings were all together in his state-room, John made his way to the upper deck and leaning against the rail, watched the bustle of embarkation, somewhat interested in the people standing about, among whom it was difficult in instances to distinguish the passengers from those who were present to say farewell.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire

From this reading Then followed some commonplaces of good wishes and farewells, and in reply to a question which John did not catch, he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Ruggles say, "Oh, didn't you see her?

in the company of; together with

From this reading Near him at the moment were two people, apparently man and wife, of middle age and rather distinguished appearance, to whom presently approached, with some evidence of hurry and with outstretched hand, a very well dressed and pleasant looking man.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Ah, here you are, Mrs. Ruggles," John heard him say as he shook hands.