Chapter XXXII · Gerald Fosland Makes a Speech

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

-ing form of “adjust” — alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

react verbally

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

offering or expressing apology

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”

formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

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

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

for the reason that

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

plural of “davy” — English chemist who was a pioneer in electrochemistry and who used it to isolate elements sodium and potassium and barium and boron and calcium and magnesium and chlorine (1778-1829)

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

not as far along as normal in development

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

plural of “fur” — the dressed hairy coat of a mammal

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

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

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

a temporary passageway of planks (as over mud on a building site)

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

with superficial plausibility

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

the act of departing

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

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

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

a health facility where patients receive treatment

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

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

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

having much knowledge or education

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

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

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”

and nothing more

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

according to the clock

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading “Is Gail going with you?” inquired the alert Mrs. Helen Davies, observing Gail in the gangway adjusting her furs.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

on one occasion

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

gallery where works of art can be displayed

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

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

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

with sincerity; without pretense

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading “Sorry,” he informed them, with his stiff bow, “but an errand of such importance that it can not be delayed, causes Mrs. Fosland and myself to return to the city immediately for an hour or so.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

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

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”

during the time that

From this reading “She has to chaperon me, while Gerald is busy,” Arly glibly explained.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading Gerald Fosland, known to be so formal that he had once dressed to answer an emergency call from a friend at the hospital, because the message came in at six o’clock, surprised his guests by appearing before them, in the salon just before dinner, in his driving coat and with his motor cap in his hand.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I am sincerely apologetic, and I trust that you will have a jolly dinner.”