Chapter XXIX

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

(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 ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

From this reading “Good-evening, Vicomte,” he now said, bowing politely.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

anything that covers or conceals

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

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

From this reading “I could not have wished for a more opportune meeting.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

third-person singular of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading “Good-evening, Vicomte,” he now said, bowing politely.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “I could not have wished for a more opportune meeting.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

occurring every hour or payable by the hour

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading “I could not have wished for a more opportune meeting.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading “I could not have wished for a more opportune meeting.

the force of workers available

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading “I could not have wished for a more opportune meeting.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading “Good-evening, Vicomte,” he now said, bowing politely.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

on one occasion

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

suitable or at a time that is suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose

From this reading “I could not have wished for a more opportune meeting.

with ostentation; in an ostentatious manner

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

plural of “pistol” — a firearm that is held and fired with one hand

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

the formation of small pits in a surface as a consequence of corrosion

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

in a polite manner

From this reading “Good-evening, Vicomte,” he now said, bowing politely.

any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Good-evening, Vicomte,” he now said, bowing politely.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

in or at that place or location

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading André drew the curtains behind him, threw off his cloak, and advanced into the centre of the room.

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

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading As a proof, there are my pistols,” he tossed them ostentatiously on to the table.

without scruples or principles

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

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

From this reading “Good-evening, Vicomte,” he now said, bowing politely.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading “I could not have wished for a more opportune meeting.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.

a late time of life

From this reading ANDRÉ FAILS TO DECIDE ONSLOW had the advantage of André in his intimate knowledge of the essential facts of the situation; and he had not been for ten years an agent of the secret service, in daily peril of his life, in hourly need of having to decide at once on a course of action, without learning all that an able and desperate man can learn from pitting his wits against the wits of men and women as unscrupulous and desperate as himself.