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 IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

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

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

at or toward the back of something

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

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

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

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

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

plural of “find” — a productive insight

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

acting with uncertainty or hesitance or lack of confidence

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

subject to guidance or control especially after launching

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

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

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

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

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

not accessible to view

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

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

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

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

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

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

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

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

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

shelf that projects from wall above fireplace

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

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

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

not any; not one

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

from crude petroleum; used for candles and for preservative or waterproof coatings

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

a reproach for some lapse or misdeed

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

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

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

past form of “shuffle” — walk by dragging one's feet

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

inflected form of “signal” — communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

in or at or to some place

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

not in physical motion

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

cut a female screw thread with a tap

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

the sound of light blow or knock

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

in or at that place or location

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

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

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

a written agreement between two states or sovereigns

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

not carpeted

From this reading Guided in the darkness by a slight breeze which still came through the window, though the door was now shut, I shuffled across the uncarpeted floor, groping with hands held out before me as I moved.

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

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

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

at the time that

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading If I could steer my way to the window and pull back the drawn curtains I might be able to let in light enough to find matches on mantelpiece or table.

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

From this reading IVOR FINDS SOMETHING IN THE DARK There was a strong smell of paraffin oil in the room; and from somewhere at the far end came a faint tap, tapping sound, which might be the light knocking of a window-blind or the rap of a signalling finger.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Then, what good luck if I should discover the case containing the treaty and go off with it before "J.M." came back!

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading It was not his, and he was a thief: therefore, I should be doing him no wrong and Maxine de Renzie much good by taking it, if he had left it behind, not too well hidden when he went out.