used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
acceleratedadjectiveUS /ækˈseləreɪtɪd/
speeded up, as of an academic course
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
(of mail) marked with a destination
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
arrestverbUS /ərˈest/
take into custody
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading It was while thus enjoying himself that the letters and papers sent back from India reached him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
benefitedverbUS /ˈbenəfɪtɪd/
past form of “benefit” — derive a benefit from
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
climatenounUS /ˈklaɪmət/
the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
commitmentnounUS /kəˈmɪtmənt/
the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
communicateverbUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪt/
transmit information
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
gotten under control
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
placed crosswise
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
the specified day of the month
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
the act of departing
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
Dering's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
characterized by great determination
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
encounterverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntər/
come together
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading It was while thus enjoying himself that the letters and papers sent back from India reached him.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
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 His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading GENERAL ST.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
George'snounUS /ˈdʒɔːrdʒəz/
possessive form of “george” — Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
the lack of knowledge or education
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
owning or consisting of land or real estate
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
the literary culture
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
lingeringnounUS /ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ/
the act of tarrying
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
Lionel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
MarseillesnounUS /mɑːrˈsaɪləs/
a port city in southeastern France on the Mediterranean
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
nephewnounUS /ˈnefjuː/
a son of your brother or sister
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
newspapersnounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpərz/
plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading It was while thus enjoying himself that the letters and papers sent back from India reached him.
previouslyadverbUS /ˈpriːviəsli/
at an earlier time or formerly
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
prostrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading It was while thus enjoying himself that the letters and papers sent back from India reached him.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading It was while thus enjoying himself that the letters and papers sent back from India reached him.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
ST
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GENERAL ST.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
not in physical motion
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
strengthenverbUS /ˈstreŋθən/
make strong or stronger
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading It was while thus enjoying himself that the letters and papers sent back from India reached him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
hard to endure
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
variableadjectiveUS /ˈveriəbəl/
liable to or capable of change
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
venturingverbUS /ˈventʃərɪŋ/
-ing form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
an act of traveling by water
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading His health had benefited greatly by the voyage, and he determined to strengthen it still further by lingering for a few weeks in the South of France before venturing to encounter the more variable and trying climate of his own country.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was while thus enjoying himself that the letters and papers sent back from India reached him.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
wilfuladjective
done by design
From this reading As a consequence, the letters and newspapers addressed to him, which contained the account of his nephew Lionel Dering’s arrest and commitment for wilful murder, crossed him on the voyage, and he landed at Marseilles in happy ignorance of the whole affair.
produce a literary work
From this reading GEORGE General St. George’s departure from India had been accelerated by a slight attack of fever, which so far prostrated him that he was unable to write, or communicate in any way to his friends in England the fact that he was starting for home two months before the date previously fixed on by himself.
