adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
accessnounUS /ˈækses/
the right to enter
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
againadverbUS /əˈɡen/
anew
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
businessnounUS /ˈbɪznəs/
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
chattedverbUS /ˈtʃætəd/
inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
citynounUS /ˈsɪti/
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
comfortableadjectiveUS /ˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
COUNCILnounUS /ˈkaʊnsəl/
a body serving in an administrative capacity
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
customersnounUS /ˈkʌstəmərz/
plural of “customer” — someone who pays for goods or services
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
difficultadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfəkəlt/
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
directedadjectiveUS /dərˈektəd/
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
discoveredadjectiveUS /dɪˈskʌvərd/
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
drinksnounUS /drɪŋks/
plural of “drink” — a single serving of a beverage
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
everadverbUS /ˈevər/
at any time
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
FRIENDSnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
getverbUS /ɡet/
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
goverbUS /ɡoʊ/
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
havennounUS /ˈheɪvən/
a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
HotelnounUS /hoʊˈtel/
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
keptadjectiveUS /kept/
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
knewverbUS /nuː/
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 To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
landlordnounUS /ˈlændlɔːrd/
a landowner who leases to others
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
lanesnounUS /leɪnz/
plural of “lane” — a narrow way or road
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
liquornounUS /ˈlɪkər/
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
mainadjectiveUS /meɪn/
most important element
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
McIntoshnounUS /ˈmækəntɔːʃ/
early-ripening apple popular in the northeastern United States; primarily eaten raw but suitable for applesauce
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
miraclenounUS /ˈmɪrəkəl/
any amazing or wonderful occurrence
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
narrowverbUS /ˈneroʊ/
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
parlournounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
perfectadjectiveUS /pərˈfekt/
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
PierrenounUS /piˈer/
capital of the state of South Dakota; located in central South Dakota on the Missouri river
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
public-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
regularadjectiveUS /ˈreɡjələr/
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
restverbUS /rest/
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
roundnounUS /raʊnd/
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
satnounUS /sæt/
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
seemverbUS /siːm/
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
SimonnounUS /ˈsaɪmən/
one of the twelve Apostles (first century)
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
spectatornounUS /ˈspekteɪtər/
a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
strangernounUS /ˈstreɪndʒər/
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
streetnounUS /striːt/
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
streetsnounUS /striːts/
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
talkedverbUS /tɔːkt/
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
tavernnounUS /ˈtævərn/
a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
thoroughfaresnounUS /ˈθɜːroʊferz/
plural of “thoroughfare” — a public road from one place to another
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
tradenounUS /treɪd/
the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading The Wattle Tree was such a quiet haven of rest, and kept such good liquor, that once a man discovered it he always came back again; so Mr Twexby did a very comfortable trade.
TreenounUS /triː/
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
turnverbUS /tɜːrn/
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
Twexby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
twistverbUS /twɪst/
to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was far away from the main thoroughfares of the city, and a stranger had to go up any number of quiet streets to get to it, and turn and twist round corners and down narrow lanes until it became a perfect miracle how he ever found the hotel at all.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
WattlenounUS /ˈwɑːtəl/
a fleshy wrinkled and often brightly colored fold of skin hanging from the neck or throat of certain birds (chickens and turkeys) or lizards
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading FRIENDS IN COUNCIL The Wattle Tree Hotel, to which Mr McIntosh had directed Pierre, was a quiet little public-house in a quiet street.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading It had its regular customers, who came there day after day, and sat in the little back parlour and talked and chatted over their drinks.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading To a casual spectator it would seem that a tavern so difficult of access would not be very good for business, but Simon Twexby, the landlord, knew better.
