Chapter XXXII

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

the state of being absent

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

not being in a specified place

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

later than; following

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

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

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

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

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

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

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

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

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

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

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

deem to be

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

the property of holding together and retaining its shape

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

causing or capable of causing death

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

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

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

not to your liking

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

having the pinkish flush of health

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

discontinued temporarily

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

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

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

with honesty

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

the force of workers available

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

not any; not one

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

possessive form of “people” — (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

bring forth or yield

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

past form of “recollect” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

determined

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

express in words

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

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

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

term of address for a man

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

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

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

shining with brilliant points of light like stars

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

carry out

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

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

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

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

From this reading This may seem extraordinary conduct in a good soldier and quick and ready man; but he had his reasons for it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

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

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.

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

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But, no--Digby justly remembered that what he had to say might require some time, and that it might produce some agitation.

at the time that

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading Sir Edward Digby did not take advantage of the opportunity which Mrs. Barbara's absence afforded him.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Not that he was beginning to hesitate, as some men do, when--after having quite made up their minds--they begin to consider all the perils of their situation, and retreat, without much regard for their own consistency, or the feelings of the other persons interested.

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

From this reading Moreover, he recollected that there are few things so disagreeable on earth, as being interrupted at a time when people's eyes are sparkling or in tears, when the cheek is flushed or deadly pale; and as he knew not when Mrs. Barbara might return, and certainly did not anticipate that she would be long absent, he resolved to wait for another opportunity.