Chapter V

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

in addition

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

react verbally

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

-ing form of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

a youthful male person

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

plural of “candidate” — a politician who is running for public office

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

a young person of either sex

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

dearly loved

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

showing or experiencing dissatisfaction or restless longing

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

-ing form of “distribute” — administer or bestow, as in small portions

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

plural of “examination” — the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

serving to promote your interest

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

plural of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

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

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

ten 10s

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

feeling or showing love and affection

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

engage in

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

being four more than ninety

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

on one occasion

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

win approval or support for

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

inflected form of “rebuild” — build again

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

Identical; not different.

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

express in words

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

plural of “scholarship” — financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

an educational institution

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

in the near future

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

in or at that place or location

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

not feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

at the time that

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

which person or people

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

the words that are spoken

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.