Chapter XIX · A Lost Photograph

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

past form of “accost” — speak to someone

From this reading Whilst I was collecting my things he came leisurely up and accosted me.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

later than; following

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

liveliness and eagerness

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

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

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

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

From this reading I assented.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

plural of “bag” — a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading Whilst I was collecting my things he came leisurely up and accosted me.

plural of “check” — a written order directing a bank to pay money

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

the act of gathering something together

From this reading Whilst I was collecting my things he came leisurely up and accosted me.

plural of “county” — (United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

plural of “crawl” — a very slow movement

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

past form of “deposit” — put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

at any time

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

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

From this reading Whilst I was collecting my things he came leisurely up and accosted me.

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

From this reading "Your name Morton?" he inquired, without removing his cigar from his teeth.

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

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

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading "Your name Morton?" he inquired, without removing his cigar from his teeth.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

in an unhurried way or at one's convenience

From this reading Whilst I was collecting my things he came leisurely up and accosted me.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

cases used to carry belongings when traveling

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

a lightweight waterproof (usually rubberized) fabric

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

possessive form of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885-1941)

From this reading "Your name Morton?" he inquired, without removing his cigar from his teeth.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "Your name Morton?" he inquired, without removing his cigar from his teeth.

according to the clock

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

a person employed to carry luggage and supplies

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

by reasonable assumption

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

To recall to mind.

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

-ing form of “remove” — remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading "Your name Morton?" he inquired, without removing his cigar from his teeth.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading "Your name Morton?" he inquired, without removing his cigar from his teeth.

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Whilst I was collecting my things he came leisurely up and accosted me.

create by training and teaching

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading Whilst I was collecting my things he came leisurely up and accosted me.

precisely as stated

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

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

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

at the time that

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

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

From this reading It was about five o'clock on as dreary an afternoon as I ever remember, when the slow train, which crawls always at a most miserable pace from Peterborough across the eastern counties, deposited me at Little Drayton.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading Whilst I was collecting my things he came leisurely up and accosted me.

which person or people

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "Your name Morton?" he inquired, without removing his cigar from his teeth.

resembling or characteristic (or considered characteristic) of a wolf

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Besides the station-master there were but two people on the wet platform--one a porter, who made for my bags with almost wolflike alacrity after a moment's amazed stare, at me, presumably at the rare advent of a passenger with luggage; the other was a thin, dark young man, clad in a light mackintosh with very large checks, and smoking a long cigar.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Your name Morton?" he inquired, without removing his cigar from his teeth.