used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
next to; at the side of
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
bewitchingadjective
capturing interest as if by a spell
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
the protruding part of the lower jaw
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/
a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
continentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/
one of the large landmasses of the earth
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
contournounUS /ˈkɑːntʊr/
a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
the first light of day
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
being one more than seven
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
engineeringnounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪrɪŋ/
the practical application of technical and scientific knowledge to commerce or industry
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
accept an excuse for
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
experiencingverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪŋ/
-ing form of “experience” — undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading He wondered if he were making a fool of himself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
furnounUS /fɜːr/
the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
highest in quality
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
HornnounUS /hɔːrn/
a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
Howland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
incidentallyadverbUS /ˌɪnsɪˈdentəli/
introducing a different topic
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
InwardlyadverbUS /ˈɪnwərdli/
with respect to private feelings
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
and nothing more
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading He wondered if he were making a fool of himself.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
of an obscure nature
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
being perceived or observed
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
operationsnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈeɪʃənz/
financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
outwardlyadverbUS /ˈaʊtwərdli/
with respect to the outside
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
responsibilitiesnounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “responsibility” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
rippledadjectiveUS /ˈrɪpəld/
uneven by virtue of having wrinkles or waves
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
cut with a saw
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
express in words
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
sheennounUS /ʃiːn/
the visual property of something that shines with reflected light
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
the act of smoking tobacco or other substances
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
carry out
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
tasksnounUS /tæsks/
plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
the upper part of anything
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
create by training and teaching
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
turbannounUS /ˈtɜːrbən/
a traditional Muslim headdress consisting of a long scarf wrapped around the head
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS ATTACK Howland was glad that for a time there was an excuse for his silence.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He wondered if he were making a fool of himself.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
which person or people
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
belonging to which person
From this reading It began to dawn on him that this was an extraordinary adventure for a man on whose shoulders rested the responsibilities of one of the greatest engineering tasks on the continent, and who was due to take a train for the seat of his operations at eight o'clock in the morning.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He looked down at his companion; saw the sheen of her hair as it rippled out from under her fur turban, studied the soft contour of her cheek and chin, without himself being observed, and noticed, incidentally, that the top of the bewitching head beside him came just about to a level with his cigar which he was smoking.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading He wondered if he were making a fool of himself.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Inwardly he was experiencing some strange emotions; outwardly he smiled as he thought of what Van Horn would say if he knew the circumstances.
