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 But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

a method of tending to or managing the affairs of a some group of people (especially the group's business affairs)

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

matters of personal concern

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

anew

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

(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 And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

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

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

subject to appointment

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

the position of apprentice

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

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

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

give encouragement to

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

plural of “club” — a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

give moral or emotional strength to

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

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

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

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

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

at any time

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

apart from; not including

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

usually; as a rule

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

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

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

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

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

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

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

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

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

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

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

the act of retaining something

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

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

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

angered at something unjust or wrong

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

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

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

impose and collect

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

the force of workers available

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

plural of “minister” — a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

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

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

and nothing more

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

(chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

past form of “resign” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

be standing; be upright

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

plural of “successor” — a person who follows next in order

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

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

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Perhaps he shrank from again meeting the flash of those indignant eyes.

something that is a source of danger

From this reading Baron Levy did not execute his threat of calling on Egerton the next morning.

up to a particular time

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

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

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

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

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

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

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

at the time that

From this reading When the House met, it was announced that the ministers had resigned, only holding their offices till their successors were appointed.

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

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

which person or people

From this reading And indeed Egerton was too busied all the forenoon to see any one not upon public affairs, except Harley, who hastened to console or cheer him.

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

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.

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

From this reading But already there was some reaction in their favour; and when it became generally known that the new administration was to be formed of men few indeed of whom had ever before held office, the common superstition in the public mind that government is like a trade, in which a regular apprenticeship must be served, began to prevail; and the talk at the clubs was that the new men could not stand; that the former ministry, with some modification, would be back in a month.