Chapter XVI

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

equally

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

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

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

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

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

marked by blithe unconcern

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

one or the other of two

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

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

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

a German man; used before the name as a title equivalent to Mr in English

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

of the present time and place

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

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

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

having much knowledge or education

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

a particular point in time

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

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

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

not any; not one

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

by chance

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

the act of giving a false appearance

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

a German inhabitant of Prussia

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

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

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

the state of being free from danger or injury

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

a political advocate of socialism

From this reading Herr Benz made no pretense of concealing his antipathy for the Prussian government, and proclaimed his full allegiance to the Socialist cause.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

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

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

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

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

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

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

a merchant who owns or manages a shop

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

create by training and teaching

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

of or relating to or characteristic of Turkey or its people or language

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

up to a particular time

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Into one of these houses Benz led the way and in a moment they were safe from curious eyes.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

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

From this reading THE TURKISH CIGARETTE He was a prosperous looking man, a small house-owner, perhaps, or tradesman, but he had a broad brow and a look of alertness which were an earnest of his intelligence.

which person or people

From this reading Rowland was quite certain that he had not been observed either upon the train or in the town and it was therefore with a feeling of confidence as to his own present security that he informed Herr Benz of the nature of his errand and the necessity for immediate aid from those friends who had the interests of the Order of Nemi at heart.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Rowland walked by his side conversing easily of casual things until they reached a street upon the edge of the town, built up with rows of smaller houses, all much alike, each in its well kept yard.