used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
(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 There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
for the reason that
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
lacking funds
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading On the day before he sailed, her brother took her to the vicarage to say good-bye.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
Celia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading On the day before he sailed, her brother took her to the vicarage to say good-bye.
desirousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəs/
having or expressing desire for something
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
having the place or position changed
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
equivocaladjectiveUS /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/
open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
ETHICSnounUS /ˈeθɪks/
motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
opinion or judgment
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
a social unit living together
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
fiancé
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
Geoffrey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
good-byenounUS /ɡɪdˈbaɪ/
a farewell remark
From this reading On the day before he sailed, her brother took her to the vicarage to say good-bye.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
JUDAISMnounUS /ˈdʒuːdeɪɪzəm/
Jews collectively who practice a religion based on the Torah and the Talmud
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
and nothing more
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
come together
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
MilnesnounUS /mɪlnz/
plural of “milne” — English writer of stories for children (1882-1956)
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the day before he sailed, her brother took her to the vicarage to say good-bye.
on one occasion
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
patheticallyadverbUS /pəˈθetɪkəli/
in a manner arousing sympathy and compassion
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
playmatenounUS /ˈpleɪmeɪt/
a companion at play
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
on the contrary
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
past form of “sail” — traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading On the day before he sailed, her brother took her to the vicarage to say good-bye.
Salmon's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
express in words
From this reading On the day before he sailed, her brother took her to the vicarage to say good-bye.
only a very short time before
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
in the near future
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
sorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading On the day before he sailed, her brother took her to the vicarage to say good-bye.
TowersnounUS /ˈtaʊərz/
plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
two times
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Celia was both glad and sorry that he did not come--glad, because under the circumstances it was best that her peace of mind should not be further disturbed; sorry, because Geoffrey was her old friend and playmate, and he was soon to go so far away.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
precisely as stated
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
vicaragenoun
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading On the day before he sailed, her brother took her to the vicarage to say good-bye.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF JUDAISM David Salmon’s visit to the Towers, just that week, was rather unfortunate so far as Celia and Dr. Milnes were concerned.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Geoffrey was very desirous of having another interview with Celia before he went abroad, but he could not bring himself to meet her _fiancé_; and feeling himself to be in an equivocal position, he stayed away.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading There were two or three visitors present besides the Milnes family, so that she was unable to get a word with him alone: but his eyes scarcely left her face all the time she was there; and he gazed at her so pathetically that once or twice she nearly broke down.
