Chapter II · Myself

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

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

(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 Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

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

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

any thing at all

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

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

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

past form of “bottle” — store (liquids or gases) in bottles

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

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

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

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

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

having made preparations

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

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

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

lifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a building

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

with excitement; in an excited manner

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

a state of agitation or turbulent change or development

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

the act of giving

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

large in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

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

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

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

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

notable English cricketer (1882-1963)

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

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

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

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

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

and nothing more

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

a particular point in time

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

not any; not one

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No one there!

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

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

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

a human being

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

a feeling of evil to come

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

done under pressure

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

in a stubborn unregenerate manner

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

possessive form of “summer” — the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

express in words

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

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

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

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

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

plural of “truth” — a fact that has been verified

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

being four more than twenty

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

not firmly fastened or secured

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

not necessary

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

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

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

the act of using

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

confirm the truth of

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

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

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

at the time that

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

which person or people

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Just at that most quiet hour of all the twenty-four, in the city, on a summer’s morning, when the darkness is stubbornly giving way to daylight, there came a violent ring at Mr. Hobbs’ door-bell, followed up with what seemed to be quite an unnecessary knocking.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Mr. Hobbs was interested in an elevator, and when he heard that ring he was sure the elevator had burned--in fact, he had a presentiment that such would be the case; besides this, Mr. Hobbs always carried a goodly assortment of fears ready to use at any moment.

produce a literary work

From this reading What I have to write is of such great value, the circumstances so peculiar, the record so strange, and the truths so startling, that it is but proper I should explain who and what I am, in order that any person, so disposed, may fully verify for himself the things I am about to relate.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “There, didn’t I tell you!” he excitedly exclaimed to his wife, as he rushed down the stairs--he hadn’t told his wife anything, just bottled up his fears in his own bosom and let them ferment, but that made no difference--“Didn’t I tell you!” and he hastily unlocked and opened the door.