Chapter XXI

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

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

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

marked by eager anticipation

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

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

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

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

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

in mental comfort; without stress

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

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

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

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

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

at any time

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

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

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

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

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

the one or ones belonging to her

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

cause to move by striking

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

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

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

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

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

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 Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

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

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

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

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

plural of “observer” — a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

and nothing more

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

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

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

in a cheerful manner

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

control and direct with or as if by reins

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

past form of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

make square

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

past form of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

closely constrained or constricted or constricting

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

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

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

in the direction of

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

create by training and teaching

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

arousing no interest or attention or curiosity or excitement

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

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

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."

a formal word for “on”

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

plural of “view” — a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

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

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

at the time that

From this reading THE POST-OFFICE From 8.30 A.M. on, the tide of travel in Ledge always tended towards the post-office, but on the famous morning when Mrs. Lathbun expected to hear from her lawyer, the post-office's vicinity resembled nothing so much as its own appearance upon Election Day.

during the time that

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

which person or people

From this reading "The United States Government doesn't allow me to interfere in politics, or I'd come right square out with my views," said Mrs. Ray, who held public interest with a tight rein, while awaiting the mail.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Long before train time not only the office itself, but the adjoining rooms and the porch outside, were comfortably crowded with a pleasantly anticipative collection of interested observers.

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

From this reading Every one that ever had received a letter intended to be there to see if Mrs. Lathbun would get hers.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading "My views may be uninteresting, but I hit enough nails on the head to box up a good many people a year."