Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

having companions or an escort

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

react verbally

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

eagerly desirous

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

confidently declared to be so

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

(often followed by “to”) giving care or attention

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

an occurrence of something

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

someone who is no longer alive

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

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

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

having or expressing desire for something

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

true confidential information

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

past form of “engender” — call forth

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

obtain

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

a city in southwestern Switzerland at the western end of Lake Geneva; it is the headquarters of various international organizations

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

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

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

conformity or harmony

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

used to form the superlative

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading MRS.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

of an obscure nature

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

a human being

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

on the contrary

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

hidden from general view or use

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

make square

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

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

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

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

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

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

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

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

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

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

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

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

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

during the time that

From this reading He was rather astonished to find that Mrs. Vrain had arrived, and was deep in conversation with the detective, while a third person, who had evidently accompanied her, sat near at hand, silent, but attentive to what was being discussed.

which person or people

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.

in the company of; together with

From this reading VRAIN'S STORY Denzil was much pleased with the courtesy of the detective Link in permitting him to gain, at first hand, further details of this mysterious case.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading With a natural curiosity, engendered by his short acquaintance with the unfortunate Berwin, he was most anxious to learn why the man had secluded himself from the world in Geneva Square; who were the enemies he hinted at as desirous of his death; and in what manner and for what reason he had met with so barbarous a fate at their hands.

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

From this reading It seemed likely that Mrs. Vrain, who asserted herself to be the wife of the deceased, would be able to answer these questions in full; therefore, he was punctual in keeping the appointment at the office of Link.