Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

in addition

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

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

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

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

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

any thing at all

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

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

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

plural of “aspect” — a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

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

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

capability to perform or produce

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

represent in or produce a caricature of

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

past form of “chance” — be the case by chance

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

past form of “command” — be in command of

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

calling up a spirit or devil

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

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

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

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

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

take in solid food

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

apart from; not including

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

-ing form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

set up or found

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

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

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

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

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

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

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

with gusto and without reservation

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

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

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

plural of “hindu” — a native or inhabitant of Hindustan or India

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

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

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

full of or characterized by humor

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

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

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

the sound of laughing

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

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

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

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

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

the act of applying force in order to move something away

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

a humorist who uses ridicule and irony and sarcasm

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

plural of “skit” — a short theatrical episode

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

communicating at a distance by electric transmission over wire

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

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

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

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

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

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

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

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

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

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

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

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

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

at the time that

From this reading "Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when tired of this man.

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

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

during the time that

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

which person or people

From this reading A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion, was exhibiting his tricks.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his clever skits on the Parsees.

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

From this reading He also made effective reference to the Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

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

From this reading They were poor enough, and would not have commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.