Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

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

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

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

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

a covering designed to be worn on a person's body

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

a state at a particular time

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

continuing in time or space without interruption

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

a large room at a college or university; used especially for dining

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

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

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

one or the other of two

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

apart from; not including

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

set up or found

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

the act of departing

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

incapable of being passed

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

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

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

surround completely

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

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

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

set afire or burning

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

a storm with rain

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

covered with a roof; having a roof as specified (often used in combination)

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

plural of “rubber” — an elastic material obtained from the latex sap of trees (especially trees of the genera Hevea and Ficus) that can be vulcanized and finished into a variety of products

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

in like or similar manner

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

plural of “umbrella” — a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

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

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

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

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

not permitting the passage of water

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

at the time that

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

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

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

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

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

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

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.