Chapter XXXVI

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

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

in addition

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The travellers had arrived, he had heard, early in the forenoon.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

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

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

superlative of “brief” — of short duration or distance

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

characterized by pomp and ceremony and stately display

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

expressive of sympathetic pleasure or joy on account of someone's success or good fortune

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

a bowl-shaped geological formation at the top of a volcano

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

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

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

plural of “dinner” — the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The travellers had arrived, he had heard, early in the forenoon.

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

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The travellers had arrived, he had heard, early in the forenoon.

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

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

a person of German nationality

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading The travellers had arrived, he had heard, early in the forenoon.

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

From this reading The travellers had arrived, he had heard, early in the forenoon.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The travellers had arrived, he had heard, early in the forenoon.

a German man; used before the name as a title equivalent to Mr in English

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

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

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

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

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

the middle of the day

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

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

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

attach to a support

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading ROSE OR VIOLET?

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

a humble request for help from someone in authority

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

by chance

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

on the contrary

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

something left after other parts have been taken away

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading ROSE OR VIOLET?

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

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

be seated

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

past form of “spare” — refrain from harming

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

in the direction of

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading The travellers had arrived, he had heard, early in the forenoon.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

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

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

precisely as stated

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

a volcano in southwestern Italy on the Mediterranean coast; a Plinian eruption in 79 AD buried Pompeii and killed Pliny the Elder; last erupted in 1944

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading ROSE OR VIOLET?

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

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Two days later, Myles took his way, in the evening, towards Herr Süsmeyer’s house.

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

From this reading There had been a ceremonious _Mittagessen_, or midday dinner, at which different treasured friends of Herr Süsmeyer’s had been present--friends also of Sebastian in former days.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.

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

From this reading Myles, too, had received a pressing invitation to be there; but, feeling that he would much rather descend of his own free will into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and there spend the remainder of his natural life, than sit a long three hours (for German congratulatory dinners are not amongst the briefest of ceremonies) at Herr Süsmeyer’s table under the proposed circumstances, he had declined, on the plea that it was a very busy day at the works, and he could not possibly be spared before evening.