Chapter XVII

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

From this reading Would there be a call for the author, and should Jimmy go on, in that case?

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

later than; following

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

changed in form or character without becoming something else

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Would there be a call for the author, and should Jimmy go on, in that case?

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

for the reason that

From this reading That was the more vital question, because Bennett Godsby had to be reckoned with in such a matter.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

United States aviator who (with Richard E. Byrd) piloted the first flight over the North Pole (1890-1928)

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Would there be a call for the author, and should Jimmy go on, in that case?

an occurrence of something

From this reading Would there be a call for the author, and should Jimmy go on, in that case?

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

(of information) make known; pass on

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

the first light of day

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

plural of “doubt” — the state of being unsure of something

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Would there be a call for the author, and should Jimmy go on, in that case?

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

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

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

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

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

come to pass

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

immediately past

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading That was the more vital question, because Bennett Godsby had to be reckoned with in such a matter.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Nay, more--would he be permitted to go on?

an old word for “no”

From this reading Nay, more--would he be permitted to go on?

absolutely essential

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Would there be a call for the author, and should Jimmy go on, in that case?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading Nay, more--would he be permitted to go on?

an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading That was the more vital question, because Bennett Godsby had to be reckoned with in such a matter.

past form of “reckon” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading That was the more vital question, because Bennett Godsby had to be reckoned with in such a matter.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

express a supposition

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Would there be a call for the author, and should Jimmy go on, in that case?

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

experiencing intense pain especially mental pain

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

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

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

precisely as stated

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

urgently needed; absolutely necessary

From this reading That was the more vital question, because Bennett Godsby had to be reckoned with in such a matter.

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

at the time that

From this reading Suppose, after all, the theatre took fire--now, when people were gathering at its very doors; suppose the iron curtain refused to go up (such things had been known to happen); or suppose Bennett Godsby, in the very hour of his triumph, dropped dead from sheer excitement.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That was the more vital question, because Bennett Godsby had to be reckoned with in such a matter.

showing curiosity

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.

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

From this reading THE DAWN Jimmy had been dressed three hours before it was absolutely necessary that he should be at the theatre, and then had wandered about his rooms, tortured by doubts and fears; wondering if by chance it would not have been better to have altered this line at the last, or to have extended that phrase, so as to convey the meaning better.