Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

in actual fact

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

anew

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

(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 The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

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

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

adopted in order to deceive

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

reveal unintentionally

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

(usually followed by “with”) well informed about or knowing thoroughly

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

a steep-walled semicircular basin in a mountain; may contain a lake

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

a young female

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Rachel knew by this time why she had heard no more from Kitty.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

the combined stakes of the betters

From this reading Rachel knew by this time why she had heard no more from Kitty.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Rachel knew by this time why she had heard no more from Kitty.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

immediately past

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

in order that something should not happen

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

the literary culture

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

held dear

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

plural of “mail” — the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

as might be expected

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

past form of “necessitate” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

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

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

not any; not one

From this reading Rachel knew by this time why she had heard no more from Kitty.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

a man who delivers the mail

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

a cancellation mark stamped on mail by postal officials; indicates the post office and date of mailing

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

(Old Testament) the second wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

cut with a saw

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

only a very short time before

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

in secrecy; not openly

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

showing a brooding ill humor

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

of or concerning this or that

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

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

From this reading Rachel knew by this time why she had heard no more from Kitty.

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

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Rachel knew by this time why she had heard no more from Kitty.

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

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading SINCE last we saw them John and Rachel Corrie, apart from the conversation necessitated by business, had scarcely spoken to each other.

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

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Rachel knew by this time why she had heard no more from Kitty.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Although the new assistant and postman were conversant with their duties, Corrie never failed to postmark with his own hand both outward and inward mails.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading The man kept a sullen silence, lest in speech he might betray his real intentions; the woman, having come to mistrust in all his ways the being whom she loved more than herself, held her peace lest she should lead him into self-betrayal, for now she feared the worst so greatly that she could not face the sure knowledge thereof.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Her three letters to the girl had never passed beyond the post office—she had actually and secretly witnessed her brother destroy the last—and she naturally assumed that if Kitty had written again, her letter had met a similar fate.