used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
arrangementsnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənts/
plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
artisansnounUS /ˈɑːrtəzənz/
plural of “artisan” — a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
boss-carpenter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
CitizensnounUS /ˈsɪtəzənz/
plural of “citizen” — a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
consumedverbUS /kənˈsuːmd/
past form of “consume” — eat up completely, as with great appetite
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
despatched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
editornounUS /ˈedətər/
a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
Fairchild
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
hiringverbUS /ˈhaɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “hire” — engage or hire for work
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
the force of workers available
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
the middle of the day
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
painternounUS /ˈpeɪntər/
an artist who paints
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
plumbernounUS /ˈplʌmər/
a craftsman who installs and repairs pipes and fixtures and appliances
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
with little or no delay
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
REUBENnounUS /ˈruːbən/
(Old Testment) a son of Jacob and forefather of one of the tribes of Israel
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
settlementnounUS /ˈsetəlmənt/
a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
spurnounUS /spɜːr/
a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
not in physical motion
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
thenceadverbUS /ðens/
from that place or that time
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
Thessalynoun
a fertile plain on the Aegean Sea in east central Greece; Thessaly was a former region of ancient Greece
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
TracynounUS /ˈtreɪsi/
United States film actor who appeared in many films with Katharine Hepburn (1900-1967)
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
unwontedlyadverb
in an unusual manner
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
precisely as stated
From this reading REUBEN Tracy rose at an unwontedly early hour next morning, under the spur of consciousness that he had a very busy day before him.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
at the time that
From this reading The discussion and settlement of these consumed the time until noon, when the lawyer and the editor separated, and Reuben went to his office.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading While he was still at his breakfast in the hotel dining-room, John Fairchild came to keep an appointment made the previous evening, and the two men were out on the streets together before Thessaly seemed wholly awake.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
in the company of; together with
From this reading By ten o’clock those of this number with whom arrangements had been made had put in an appearance at the building in question, and Tracy and Fairchild explained to them the plans which they were to carry out.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Their first visit was to the owner of the building which the Citizens’ Club had thought of hiring, and their business here was promptly despatched; thence they made their way to the house of a boss-carpenter, and within the hour they had called upon a plumber, a painter, and one or two other master artisans.
