Chapter XXV

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

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

speak to

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

later than; following

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

having or showing determination and energetic pursuit of your ends

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

(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 Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading Gastineau’s declared project of betaking himself to America was, at least, reasonable and likely enough.

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

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

subject to appointment

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

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

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading Gastineau’s declared project of betaking himself to America was, at least, reasonable and likely enough.

United States writer of science fiction (born 1920)

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

plural of “constituent” — an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

an opposing military force

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

a state of deep-seated ill-will

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Gastineau’s declared project of betaking himself to America was, at least, reasonable and likely enough.

agreeably diverting

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

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

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

set up or found

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

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

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

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

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

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

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

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

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

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

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

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

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

past form of “journey” — undertake a journey or trip

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Gastineau’s declared project of betaking himself to America was, at least, reasonable and likely enough.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Gastineau’s declared project of betaking himself to America was, at least, reasonable and likely enough.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

past form of “lull” — calm by deception

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

attach to a support

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

not any; not one

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

communicate vividly

From this reading Gastineau’s declared project of betaking himself to America was, at least, reasonable and likely enough.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading Gastineau’s declared project of betaking himself to America was, at least, reasonable and likely enough.

a public act of violence by an unruly mob

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

only a very short time before

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

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

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

not in physical motion

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

final or last in your life or progress

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Since their meeting in Mount Street, he had seen or heard nothing of Gastineau.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading A RIOT On the appointed day Herriard journeyed down to address his constituents at Bradbury.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

marked by keen caution and watchful prudence

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading He had, however, kept on his guard through the busy days that followed, being too wary and too suspicious of Gastineau’s methods to be lulled into the belief that the active will was not still working against him.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, as the days went by without a sign of Gastineau, or a suggestion of his aggressive enmity, days which brought him nearer and nearer to that supreme hour to which he scarcely dared look forward, his mind grew easier, and he found himself entertaining the hope that, after all, his enemy might, in his speech with him in the gate, have declared his real intentions, and that he would be troubled by him no more.