used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
from appearances alone
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
blankadjectiveUS /blæŋk/
(of a surface) not written or printed on
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
the act of burning something
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
cadnounUS /kæd/
someone who is morally reprehensible
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
pleasing or delighting
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
cuff-mate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
cumulativeadjectiveUS /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv/
increasing by successive addition
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
divisible by two
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/
turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
a young female
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
hearthnounUS /hɑːrθ/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
honourableadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnərəbəl/
worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
intense and profound fear
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
intentionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃənz/
plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
landladynounUS /ˈlændleɪdi/
a landlord who is a woman
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
manfullyadverbUS /ˈmænfəli/
in a manful manner; with qualities thought to befit a man
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
the force of workers available
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
mildestadjectiveUS /ˈmaɪldəst/
superlative of “mild” — moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
mildlyadverbUS /ˈmaɪldli/
to a moderate degree
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
miraculouslyadverbUS /mərˈækjələsli/
in a miraculous manner
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
outburstnounUS /ˈaʊtbɜːrst/
an unrestrained expression of emotion
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
overwroughtadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈrɔːt/
deeply agitated especially from emotion
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
penitentnounUS /ˈpenɪtɪnt/
(Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
pink-and-white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
precededverbUS /prɪˈsiːdɪd/
past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
PriestleynounUS /ˈpriːstli/
English chemist who isolated many gases and discovered oxygen (independently of Scheele) (1733-1804)
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
established beyond doubt
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
sanitynounUS /ˈsænəti/
normal or sound powers of mind
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
and nothing more
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
strictlyadverbUS /ˈstrɪktli/
restricted to something
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
subsequentadjectiveUS /ˈsʌbsəkwənt/
following in time or order
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
suppressedadjectiveUS /səˈprest/
kept from public knowledge by various means
From this reading His subsequent outburst, the cumulative result of desperate anxiety manfully suppressed and blank horror, simply followed.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
unrestnounUS /ənˈrest/
a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
nonexistent
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
at the time that
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
belonging to which person
From this reading Before they had preceded the landlady into the charming pink-and-white bedroom, on whose hearth a fire was already miraculously burning, sanity had returned and he was mildly penitent for the freedom of his speech.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Two into One Will Go The truth was that Mr. Priestley had suddenly given way to his overwrought nerves.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading The mildest of men will show signs of unrest on hearing the word “cad” directed at themselves from the lips of a pretty girl, and Mr. Priestley, as he had already proved to his own surprise, was apparently not the mildest of men.
the words that are spoken
From this reading He had a perfectly sound reason for wanting to get himself and his cuff-mate securely alone inside that bedroom, but when he heard himself being called a cad, before he had even had time to explain (if explanation were needed) that his intentions were strictly honourable, the words had simply frozen on his lips.
