used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading IT WAS AN UNSATISFACTORY LETTER THAT!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
ASHCROFT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW HE HADN'T BEEN TO ASHCROFT.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
BEENauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading HOW HE HADN'T BEEN TO ASHCROFT.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
CHALLISnounUS /ˈʃæli/
a soft lightweight fabric (usually printed)
From this reading HOW CHALLIS MET LIZARANN IN SOCIETY.
clatternounUS /ˈklætər/
a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
disquietnounUS /dɪˈskwaɪət/
a feeling of mild anxiety about possible developments
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
employmentnounUS /emˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being employed or having a job
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
accept an excuse for
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
execrableadjectiveUS /ˌeɡˈzekrəbəl/
of very poor quality or condition
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
fellow-creatures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
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 The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
giftsnounUS /ɡɪfts/
plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
HADN'T
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW HE HADN'T BEEN TO ASHCROFT.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading HOW HE HADN'T BEEN TO ASHCROFT.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW CHALLIS MET LIZARANN IN SOCIETY.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
an iconic mental representation
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading HOW CHALLIS MET LIZARANN IN SOCIETY.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT WAS AN UNSATISFACTORY LETTER THAT!
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
JudithnounUS /ˈdʒuːdəθ/
Jewish heroine in one of the books of the Apocrypha; she saved her people by decapitating the Assyrian general Holofernes
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
LECTUREverbUS /ˈlektʃər/
deliver a lecture or talk
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
legitimateadjectiveUS /ləˈdʒɪtəmət/
of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading IT WAS AN UNSATISFACTORY LETTER THAT!
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
LIZARANN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW CHALLIS MET LIZARANN IN SOCIETY.
longsverbUS /lɔːŋz/
third-person singular of “long” — desire strongly or persistently
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
MARIANNE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading HOW CHALLIS MET LIZARANN IN SOCIETY.
monotonousadjectiveUS /məˈnɑːtənəs/
tediously repetitious or lacking in variety
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
persistentadjectiveUS /pərˈsɪstənt/
never-ceasing
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
predominateverbUS /prɪˈdɑːməneɪt/
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
RECTORnounUS /ˈrektər/
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
self-absorptionnoun
preoccupation with yourself to the exclusion of everything else
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading HOW CHALLIS MET LIZARANN IN SOCIETY.
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
stunningadjectiveUS /ˈstʌnɪŋ/
commanding attention
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IT WAS AN UNSATISFACTORY LETTER THAT!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OF A LECTURE THE RECTOR READ CHALLIS, AND ITS EFFECT ON HIS IMAGE OF MARIANNE.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HOW HE HADN'T BEEN TO ASHCROFT.
UNSATISFACTORYadjectiveUS /ˌʌnsətɪˈsfæktəri/
not giving satisfaction
From this reading IT WAS AN UNSATISFACTORY LETTER THAT!
unsettlingverbUS /ənˈsetəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “unsettle” — disturb the composure of
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
unwelcomeadjectiveUS /ənˈwelkəm/
not welcome; not giving pleasure or received with pleasure
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IT WAS AN UNSATISFACTORY LETTER THAT!
at the time that
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading The persistent self-absorption and stunning monotonous clatter of one's fellow-creatures, however execrable it may seem when one wants to predominate over them by the legitimate employment of one's superior gifts--without shouting, you know!--may be not unwelcome when one longs for an excuse for silence, as Challis did after that unsettling interview with Judith--silence, and a little time to think things over before any further speech with the source of his disquiet.
