Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

later than; following

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

noisy quarrel

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading "I myself did not anticipate to return.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

quick and energetic

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

in a cheerful manner

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

steadiness of mind under stress

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

the act of departing

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

perceptible by the senses or intellect

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

(of sounds) repeating by reflection

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

start firing a weapon

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

inflected form of “flag” — communicate or signal with a flag

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

coins made of gold

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

the state of being honored

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

light in a transparent protective case

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

most important element

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

possessive form of “molly” — popular aquarium fish

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading "I myself did not anticipate to return.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

a specialist in philosophy

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

born after a gestation period of less than the normal time

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

in the near future

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

term of address for a man

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

someone who imports or exports without paying duties

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

in the near future

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

in a tentative manner

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

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

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

a small tower extending above a building

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

remaining in an original state

From this reading There was a cloud on Sir Adrian's face, plainly discernible in spite of the unaltered composure of his manner.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading Astonished at this premature return and full of vague dismay, he hurried down to receive his master.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

at the time that

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

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

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE GOLD SMUGGLER AND THE PHILOSOPHER On the evening of the day which had seen Miss Molly's departure for the main land, Rene, after the usual brisk post-prandial altercation with old Margery by her kitchen fire, was cheerfully finding his way, lantern in hand, to his turret, when in the silence of the night he heard the door of the keep open and close, and presently recognised Sir Adrian's tread echoing on the flagged steps beneath him.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I did not expect your honour back so soon," said Rene, tentatively.