Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

anew

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

(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 It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

past form of “allay” — lessen the intensity of or calm

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

support and strengthen

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

an occurrence of something

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

made comfortable or more comfortable in a time of distress

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

an admission of misdeeds or faults

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

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

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course he could not do that.

recognizable; marked

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Of course he could not do that.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

the operator of a motor vehicle

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

come together

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

at any time

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

accept an excuse for

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

causing irritation or annoyance

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

an outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

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

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

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

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

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

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

a highway

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

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

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

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

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

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

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

the state of being inferior

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

the act of tarrying

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

past form of “lull” — calm by deception

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

engage in

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

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

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

gather or bring together

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

-ing form of “negotiate” — discuss the terms of an arrangement

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

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

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

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

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

on one occasion

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

showing firm determination or purpose

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

inspiring scornful pity

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

cause a sharp or stinging pain or discomfort

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

push forcefully

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

an automotive vehicle suitable for hauling

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

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

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading Whatever he might have said or done at the time, it was entirely too late to go back on his conduct now.

during the time that

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A SECOND CALAMITY While hunting up the garage and negotiating for gasoline Steve thrust resolutely from his mind his encounter with O'Malley and the galling sense of inferiority it carried with it; but once on the highroad again the smart returned and the sting lingering behind the man's scorn was not to be allayed.

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

From this reading It was now more impossible than ever for him to make any confession, he decided; for having denied in his father's presence O'Malley's acquaintance it would be ridiculous to acknowledge that he had known the truck driver all along.

people who are wounded

From this reading It required every excuse his wounded dignity could muster to bolster up his pride and make out for himself the plausible case that had previously comforted him and lulled his conscience to rest.