Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

the state of being absent

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

later than; following

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

experiencing a sudden sense of danger

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

(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 This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

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

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

state capital of Texas on the Colorado River; site of the University of Texas

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

possessive form of “austin” — state capital of Texas on the Colorado River; site of the University of Texas

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

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

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

a man who drives a coach (or carriage)

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

the condition of being concealed or hidden

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

being joined in close association

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

wanted intensely

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

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

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

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

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

nervous and unable to relax

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

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

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

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

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

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

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

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

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

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

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

angered at something unjust or wrong

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

a search for knowledge

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

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

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

a form of address for a man

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

of an obscure nature

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

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

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

above and across; more than

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

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

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

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

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

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

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

experiencing or accompanied by sleeplessness

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

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

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

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

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

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

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

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

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

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

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

precisely as stated

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

plural of “visitor” — someone who visits

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

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

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

at the time that

From this reading This mystery and concealment on the part of his wife was not very agreeable to a man of Mr Austin's temper; he was by turns indignant and alarmed; and after having passed a sleepless night, had been all the day anxiously waiting Mrs Austin's return, when the sound of wheels was heard, and the carriage of McShane drove up to the door.

in or at the place that

From this reading The coachman stated that he had not driven over to the place in question, but to the nearest post-town, where Mrs Austin had taken a postchaise.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

which person or people

From this reading The servant reported to him what Mary had told them, and Austin, who was in a fidgety humour, had sent for the coachman who had driven the carriage, to inquire whether Mrs Austin's friend was very ill.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading It had so happened that Austin had the evening before inquired for his wife.

possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.

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

From this reading On inquiry if Mr Austin was at home, the servants replied that they would ascertain; and Austin, who imagined that this unusual visit might be connected with his wife's mysterious absence, desired the butler to show in the visitors.