used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading Entering the room he gave Forsyth’s hand an affectionate squeeze, and turned to secure the window.
Alec
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
in addition
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
Azimoolah's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
for the reason that
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
financial assistance in time of need
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
make calm or still
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
captivenounUS /ˈkæptɪv/
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
comedynounUS /ˈkɑːmədi/
light and humorous drama with a happy ending
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
placed crosswise
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
disheveledadjectiveUS /dɪˈʃevəld/
in disarray; extremely disorderly
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
elucidatedverbUS /ɪˈluːsədeɪtəd/
past form of “elucidate” — make clear and (more) comprehensible
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
a movement into or inward
From this reading Entering the room he gave Forsyth’s hand an affectionate squeeze, and turned to secure the window.
exclamationnounUS /ˌekskləˈmeɪʃən/
an abrupt excited utterance
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
Forsyth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
Forsyth's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
frayverbUS /freɪ/
wear away by rubbing
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Entering the room he gave Forsyth’s hand an affectionate squeeze, and turned to secure the window.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
destroyed or killed
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
half-contemptuous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
half-playful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Entering the room he gave Forsyth’s hand an affectionate squeeze, and turned to secure the window.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
leanverbUS /liːn/
to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
a particular point in time
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
on one occasion
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
and nothing more
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
outwardlyadverbUS /ˈaʊtwərdli/
with respect to the outside
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
passiveadjectiveUS /ˈpæsɪv/
lacking in energy or will
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
pulley-hauley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
pushverbUS /pʊʃ/
move with force
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
relaxedadjectiveUS /rɪˈlækst/
without strain or anxiety
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
releasedverbUS /riˈliːst/
past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Entering the room he gave Forsyth’s hand an affectionate squeeze, and turned to secure the window.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
Sadgrove
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
get by special effort
From this reading Entering the room he gave Forsyth’s hand an affectionate squeeze, and turned to secure the window.
shamnounUS /ʃæm/
something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
sleepyadjectiveUS /ˈsliːpi/
ready to fall asleep
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
squeezeverbUS /skwiːz/
to compress with violence, out of natural shape or condition
From this reading Entering the room he gave Forsyth’s hand an affectionate squeeze, and turned to secure the window.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Entering the room he gave Forsyth’s hand an affectionate squeeze, and turned to secure the window.
tussleverbUS /ˈtʌsəl/
fight or struggle in a confused way at close quarters
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading The next moment the other party to the tussle on the terrace elucidated the matter by walking up to the window instead of running away.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the Duke himself, outwardly calm, but somewhat disheveled by the fray, and looking very sleepy.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
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 General Sadgrove relaxed his grip on Azimoolah’s lean neck, not as a consequence of Alec Forsyth’s exclamation, but because he and his captive had crossed the threshold of the French window—gone "off," in fact, from the stage on which he had been playing a little comedy for the benefit of an invisible audience.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Forsyth guessed at once that the pulley-hauley business on the terrace had only been a sham, from the half-playful push with which his uncle released the now passive Indian, and also from the more than half-contemptuous glance flung at himself.
