Chapter XIII

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

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

later than; following

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

(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 If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

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

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

a native or inhabitant of Australia

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

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

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

conspicuously new

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

with brightness

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

without doubt or question

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

a social unit living together

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

a native or inhabitant of Finland

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

possessive form of “finn” — a native or inhabitant of Finland

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

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

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

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

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

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

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

emit long loud cries

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

plural of “howl” — a long loud emotional utterance

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

give free rein to

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

connected by participation or association or use

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

people of Ireland or of Irish extraction

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

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

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

plural of “luxury” — something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

fully ripe; at the height of bloom

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

past form of “mourn” — feel sadness

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

a form of address for a man

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

not any; not one

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

not taken into account

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

the act of departing politely

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

plural of “portrait” — a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

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

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

not used up

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

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

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

without speaking

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

plural of “suit” — a set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

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

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

being six more than thirty

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

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

From this reading But, though Finn would be capable of the howl as long as he lived, he had no mind to indulge in it now.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

the act of transacting within or between groups (as carrying on commercial activities)

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading It was true he had not understood the nature of the transaction which made him the property of the Australian merchant; but he had clearly understood that some grievous necessity had forced the Master to hand him over to Mr. Sandbrook, and that his, Finn's, duty to the Master involved remaining there in the house by the harbour.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

(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 His grief was too deep for that and too understanding; so understanding, indeed, that he was perfectly well aware that no howls of his would bring the Master back to him.

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

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

in the company of; together with

From this reading AN ADVENTURE BY NIGHT For some thirty-six hours after his parting with the Master, Finn mourned silently in the big house, which overlooked the harbour and was filled with brand-new luxuries, including the brightly polished suits of mail and the carefully matured family portraits in the hall.

the largest breed of dogs; formerly used to hunt wolves

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading If Finn had been a year younger the Sandbrook family would have learned from him the exact nature of the Irish Wolfhound howl, and they would not have liked it at all.