Chapter I

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

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

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

From this reading 2.

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

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "The MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," ETC.

later than; following

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

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

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

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

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "The MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," ETC.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].

a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits

From this reading AUTHOR OF "The MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," ETC.

in accordance with convention or custom

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

a word used in exclamations of confusion

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

a vowel sound that starts near the articulatory position for one vowel and moves toward the position for another

From this reading The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

being one more than ten

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "The MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," ETC.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

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

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

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

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

a two-wheeled horse-drawn covered carriage with the driver's seat above and behind the passengers

From this reading AUTHOR OF "The MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," ETC.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

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

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

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

From this reading The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

deliver a lecture or talk

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

unknown to most people

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading AUTHOR OF "The MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," ETC.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

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

From this reading The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF "The MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," ETC.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

in a regular manner

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

for a short time

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

a residential district located on the outskirts of a city

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

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

From this reading The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

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

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

very small

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

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

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Not that they had done so on this particular night, for the unusual excitement of a lecture on Dickens, delivered in the tiny Town Hall, had kept them from their beds later than was customary.

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

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

belonging to which person

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading On the night of July 24th, in the year 1896, between the hours of eleven and twelve, Grangebury, a little-known suburb of London, was wrapped in slumber, as became a respectable neighbourhood whose inhabitants retired regularly shortly after sunset.