Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading But stranger still was his discovery that he had _always_ noticed such things, and had remembered them.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

plural of “beauty” — the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

a town in southwestern Vermont

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But stranger still was his discovery that he had _always_ noticed such things, and had remembered them.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

put or send forth

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

twisted (especially as in pain or struggle)

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Three days earlier he would have passed them by.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

an individualized description of a particular instance

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

the act of discovering something

From this reading But stranger still was his discovery that he had _always_ noticed such things, and had remembered them.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading Three days earlier he would have passed them by.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

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

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

set up or found

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

used of old persons or old trees; covered with knobs or knots

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

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

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Three days earlier he would have passed them by.

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

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

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

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

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

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

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

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

inflected form of “imply” — express or state indirectly

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

United States educator who founded the first private school for Black students in Augusta, Georgia (1854-1933)

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

being perceived or observed

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Three days earlier he would have passed them by.

a coniferous tree

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

possessive form of “poe” — United States writer and poet (1809-1849)

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

mental or emotional as opposed to physical in nature

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

plural of “silhouette” — an outline of a solid object (as cast by its shadow)

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

not in physical motion

From this reading But stranger still was his discovery that he had _always_ noticed such things, and had remembered them.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading But stranger still was his discovery that he had _always_ noticed such things, and had remembered them.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But stranger still was his discovery that he had _always_ noticed such things, and had remembered them.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

express in words

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

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

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading He found that, since the evening before, he had been observing things about him for the purpose of detailing them to his new friend.

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

From this reading Three days earlier he would have passed them by.

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

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

evoking lifelike images within the mind

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

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

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

at the time that

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Little beauties of nature--as when a strange bird shone for an instant in vivid contrast to the mountain laurel near his window; an unusual effect of pine silhouettes near the sky; a weird, semi-poetic suggestion of one of Poe's stories implied in a contorted shadow cast by a gnarled little oak in the light of the moon--these he had noticed and remembered, and was now eager to tell his companion, with full assurance of her sympathy and understanding.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading THE MEETING AT THE ROCK On his way to keep the appointment of the afternoon, Bennington de Laney discovered within himself a new psychological experience.

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

From this reading Three days earlier he would have passed them by.