Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

consider or hold as true

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Ruth was something to study for future copy; she was almost unbelievable.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

an experience that appalls

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading Ruth was something to study for future copy; she was almost unbelievable.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

plural of “fancy” — something many people believe that is false

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

yet to be or coming

From this reading Ruth was something to study for future copy; she was almost unbelievable.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

plural of “indication” — something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

plural of “instinct” — inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading His literary instincts were reviving.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

a painful muscle spasm especially in the neck or back (“rick” and “wrick” are British)

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading His literary instincts were reviving.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

characterized by neglect and undue lack of concern

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

an excavation that is (usually) filled with water

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

tending to impart new life and vigor to

From this reading His literary instincts were reviving.

(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

possessive form of “ruth” — United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Ruth was something to study for future copy; she was almost unbelievable.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Ruth was something to study for future copy; she was almost unbelievable.

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

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

not in physical motion

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

straighten up or out; make straight

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Ruth was something to study for future copy; she was almost unbelievable.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

an abatement in intensity or degree (as in the manifestations of a disease)

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

-ing form of “swirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

experiencing intense pain especially mental pain

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading Ruth was something to study for future copy; she was almost unbelievable.

having passed out of existence

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

in a violent manner

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

look attentively

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading Little by little the pool cleared, the whims vanished: so that both Ruth and the doctor, by the middle of the third week, began to accept Spurlock's actions as normal, whereas there was still a mote or two which declined to settle, still a kink in the gray matter that refused to straighten out.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

plural of “whim” — a sudden desire

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Spurlock began to watch for Ruth's coming in the morning; first, with negligent interest, then with positive eagerness.

be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.

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

From this reading Previous to his illness, Spurlock's mind had been tortured by an appalling worry, so that now, in the process of convalescence, it might be compared to a pool which had been violently stirred: there were indications of subsidence, but there were still strange forms swirling on the surface--whims and fancies which in normal times would never have risen above sub-consciousness.