Chapter IV

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

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

later than; following

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

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

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

-ing form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

a youthful male person

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

having broad shoulders

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

study of the literary works of ancient Greece and Rome

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

either of two related enzymes that control the production of prostaglandins and are blocked by aspirin

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

your usual mood

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

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

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

full of events or incidents

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Mr. Cox proceeded to explain matters.

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

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

in fear

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

(comparative of “few” used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

a group of followers or enthusiasts

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

plural of “hat” — headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

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

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

in an inquiring manner

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

and nothing more

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

fasten with a latch

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

held up in the air

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Mr. Cox proceeded to explain matters.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

the force of workers available

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

not any; not one

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

a course of conduct

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading Mr. Cox proceeded to explain matters.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

in a respectful manner

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

to the maximum degree

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

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

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

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

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

arousing affect

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

conducive to or feeling mental discomfort

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading "THE BOY MUST BE TOLD" That was quite an eventful night in our quiet life.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They made their way up the steep garden path, and my father, in no little surprise, rose to greet them.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

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

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading Whilst we three stood looking at one another half fearfully--I full of this strange, new idea which had just occurred to me--we heard the latch of our garden gate lifted, and Mr. Cox, the vicar of Porlock and my instructor in the classics, followed by no fewer than four large-limbed, broad-shouldered, Porlock men, entered.

which person or people

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With Mr. Cox he shook hands and then glanced inquiringly at his followers, who, after touching their hats respectfully, stood in a row looking supremely uncomfortable, and each betraying a strong disposition to retire a little behind the others.