used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
anew
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
(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 It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
broachnounUS /broʊtʃ/
a decorative pin worn by women
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
without doubt or question
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
comrade's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
characterized by great determination
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
having made preparations
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
doingsnounUS /ˈduːɪŋz/
manner of acting or controlling yourself
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
let fall to the ground
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
with resolute determination
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
fisherman'snounUS /ˈfɪʃərmənz/
possessive form of “fisherman” — someone whose occupation is catching fish
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading THE SINGING GHOST.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
the state of being honored
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
impressedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprest/
deeply or markedly affected or influenced
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
Lewis'snounUS /ˈluːɪsɪz/
possessive form of “lewis” — United States rock star singer and pianist (born in 1935)
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
past form of “long” — desire strongly or persistently
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
not any; not one
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
questionableadjectiveUS /ˈkwestʃənəbəl/
subject to question
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
repliesnounUS /rɪˈplaɪz/
plural of “reply” — a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
restrainverbUS /riˈstreɪn/
to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
the act of singing vocal music
From this reading THE SINGING GHOST.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
express in words
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SINGING GHOST.
in or at that place or location
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
up to a particular time
From this reading It was, however, after all, no business of mine; and I determined to restrain my curiosity till my friend chose to explain, or a good opportunity occurred for me to broach the subject again, and ask him further questions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
tolerateverbUS /ˈtɑːləreɪt/
put up with something or somebody unpleasant
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
underhandadjective
with hand brought forward and up from below shoulder level
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
uprightnessnoun
the property of being upright in posture
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
precisely as stated
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading I must own that this puzzled me not a little, for, certain as I felt of my comrade's uprightness and honour, it was firmly impressed on my mind that there was something very questionable in old Lewis's conduct; and if this were so, it was difficult to understand why Miles should tolerate underhand doings on what was now practically his own estate.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading The vague replies which he had given to my questions of the previous evening showed clearly that he was not disposed to give me a true explanation of the fisherman's presence in the wood.
but in spite of that
From this reading Though I longed to tell Miles of what I had seen in the early morning, yet on second thoughts I decided to let the matter drop.
