Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading The doctor had paid a second visit and given the gloomiest report.

capable of being reached

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading In the afternoon he was told that his father would like to see him.

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

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

the sacred writings of the Christian religions

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

an occurrence of something

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

without doubt or question

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

plural of “development” — act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

move deeply

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading The doctor had paid a second visit and given the gloomiest report.

possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

plural of “emergency” — a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading In the afternoon he was told that his father would like to see him.

by good fortune

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading The doctor had paid a second visit and given the gloomiest report.

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

From this reading The doctor had paid a second visit and given the gloomiest report.

past form of “grieve” — feel grief

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

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

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

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

From this reading In the afternoon he was told that his father would like to see him.

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

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

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

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

a room where books are kept

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading In the afternoon he was told that his father would like to see him.

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

engage in

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

joined in matrimony

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

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

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

not any; not one

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

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

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

the shell around the kernel of a nut

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

and nothing more

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading The doctor had paid a second visit and given the gloomiest report.

a person's partner in marriage

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

possessive form of “patient” — a person who requires medical care

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

as yourself

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

almost; nearly

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

someone who practices a learned profession

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

a native or inhabitant of Scotland

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The doctor had paid a second visit and given the gloomiest report.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading In the afternoon he was told that his father would like to see him.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

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

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

plural of “symptom” — (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading In the afternoon he was told that his father would like to see him.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

not necessary

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

not limited or restricted

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading The doctor had paid a second visit and given the gloomiest report.

past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

at the time that

From this reading Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to disturb the junior partner during the night, but next morning, when he had heard the doctor's report and personally visited the sick-bed, he took the most serious view of the situation.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He summoned his two married sisters, urging them to lose no time; he spent only half an hour at the office; and then he sat down with his _Scotsman_ in the library (his Bible accessible in case of emergencies) to await the developments that he grieved to think were now practically inevitable.

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

From this reading Put in a nutshell, it came to this: that he could make neither head nor tail of his patient's symptoms, but that, as they were clearly the result of a course of treatment at the hands of an unqualified practitioner, it was improbable that Mr. Walkingshaw would recover from the consequences of his error.