Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading HAROLD CAFFYN MAKES A DISCOVERY.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

a theatrical performer

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

plural of “advantage” — the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

in the past

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

plural of “amateur” — someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

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

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

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

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

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

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

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

From this reading HAROLD CAFFYN MAKES A DISCOVERY.

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

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

the act of discovering something

From this reading HAROLD CAFFYN MAKES A DISCOVERY.

freeing from false belief or illusions

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

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

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

past form of “entrust” — confer a trust upon

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

plural of “eulogy” — a formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

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

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

set up or found

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

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

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

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

From this reading HAROLD CAFFYN MAKES A DISCOVERY.

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

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

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

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

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

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

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

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

a change for the better; progress in development

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

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

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

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

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading HAROLD CAFFYN MAKES A DISCOVERY.

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

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

a theatrical performance held during the daytime (especially in the afternoon)

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

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

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

not any; not one

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

and nothing more

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

being in opposition or having an opponent

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

plural of “qualification” — an attribute that must be met or complied with and that fits a person for something

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

certainty based on past experience

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

the underside of footwear or a golf club

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

in the near future

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

conforming to or constituting a standard of measurement or value; or of the usual or regularized or accepted kind

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

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

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

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

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

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

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

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

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

except if; if not

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

precisely as stated

From this reading He had taken to the stage at first in reliance on the extravagant eulogies of friends, forgetting that the standard for amateurs in any form of art is not a high one, and he was very soon brought to his proper level.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

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

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Harold Caffyn had not found much improvement in his professional prospects since we first made his acquaintance; his disenchantment was in fact becoming complete.

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

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

at the time that

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

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

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The general verdict of his fellow-professionals was, 'Clever enough, but no actor,' and he was without the sympathy or imagination to identify himself completely with any character and feelings opposed to his own; he had obtained one distinct success, and one only--at a _matinee_, when a new comedy was presented in which a part of some consequence had been entrusted to him.

a late time of life

From this reading A good appearance and complete self-possession were about his sole qualifications, unless we add the voice and manner of a man in good society, which are not by any means the distinctive advantages that they were a few years ago.