Chapter XIV

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

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

in an absentminded or preoccupied manner

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

later than; following

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

Having no one else present.

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

causing inconvenience

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

the two together, not just one

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

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

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

English poet remembered primarily for his free translation of the poetry of Omar Khayyam (1809-1883)

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

set up or found

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

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

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

cause to arise

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

a polite name for any woman

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

a commissioned military officer

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

above and across; more than

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

deeply or seriously thoughtful

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

-ing form of “rely” — have faith or confidence in

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

express in words

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

possessive form of “secretary” — a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

United States inventor who built a steam-powered automobile (1849-1918)

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

a special situation

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

at the time that

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

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

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

during the time that

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE In virtue of his good resolution to point out to Miss Fitzgerald the error of her ways, the Secretary had been nerving himself to an interview with her on this delicate question, and as result, when he found himself alone with Lieutenant Kingsland in the smoking-room after dinner that evening, both were silent.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

showing curiosity

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.

but in spite of that

From this reading Each had something to think about, yet each was thinking about the same thing.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I say, Stanley," he remarked, "do you know Bob Darcy?"

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

From this reading The Secretary abstractedly wondering how he was to commence the awkward interview which was staring him in the face; while the young officer, relying on the axiom that "a woman never says what she means," was pondering over the best way in which to go to work upon his companion, in order to induce him to open his heart to the lady in question.