Chapter IV

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

later than; following

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

(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 He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

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

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

plural of “attention” — the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

an occurrence of something

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

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

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

willing to entrust personal matters

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

past form of “consult” — get or ask advice from

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

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

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

having the place or position changed

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

divisible by two

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

inflected form of “foresee” — realize beforehand

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

a young female

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

destroyed or killed

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

a brother who has only one parent in common with you

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

only a very short time before

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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 He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

plural of “milne” — English writer of stories for children (1882-1956)

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

being perceived or observed

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

without restrictions or stipulations or further payments

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

third-person singular of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

only a very short time before

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

superlative of “true” — consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

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

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading He attempted to find out now how far the mischief had gone, and if any understanding had taken place between the two.

not pleasant or acceptable to the taste or mind

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

precisely as stated

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading He scarcely cared to ask Celia outright, for if Lady Marjorie were, after all, mistaken, he did not want even to suggest to the girl that such might be the case.

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

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

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

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

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

From this reading Now that he came to think of it, there were several little lover-like attentions which Geoffrey had paid to his sister before his very eyes, and he had been so dense that he had never noticed them before.

in the company of; together with

From this reading GEOFFREY RECEIVES UNPALATABLE ADVICE Herbert Karne was greatly disturbed by what Lady Marjorie had told him; and he was vexed with himself for not having foreseen the possible consequences of Dr. Milnes’ frequent visits to the Towers.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.

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

From this reading He could hardly bring himself to believe that Celia would think of becoming engaged without having first consulted him, for she was of an open and confiding nature, and knew quite well that her half-brother was her best and truest friend.