Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

the department in charge of the navy (as in Great Britain)

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

from appearances alone

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

moving or going or growing upward

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

completely unclothed

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

plural of “cargo” — goods carried by a large vehicle

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

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

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

the dressed hairy coat of a mammal

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

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

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

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

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

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

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

the act of retaining something

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

be a hindrance or obstacle to

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

set afire or burning

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

plural of “loafer” — person who does no work

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

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

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

a particular point in time

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a river in northwestern Russia flowing generally west into the Gulf of Finland

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a town in southeastern Virginia (south of Richmond); scene of heavy fighting during the American Civil War

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

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

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

third-person singular of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

the bank of a river

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

past form of “sand” — rub with sandpaper

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

a place of worship hallowed by association with some sacred thing or person

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

plural of “steamer” — a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

United States electrical engineer and inventor (born in Germany) (1865-1923)

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading He duly reached the southern shore, ascending to the Admiralty Gardens by a flight of sanded steps.

plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

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

From this reading He was recrossing the river, not by the bridge, which requires a doffed hat by reason of its shrine, but by one of the numerous roads cut across the ice from bank to bank.

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

past form of “transact” — conduct business

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

familiar with many parts of the world

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

-ing form of “tuck” — fit snugly into

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading Here he lighted a cigar, and, tucking his hands deep into the pockets of his fur coat, he proceeded to walk slowly through the bare and deserted public garden.

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

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.

in or at the place that

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

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

From this reading ON THE NEVA Karl Steinmetz had apparently been transacting business on the Vassili Ostrov, which the travelled reader doubtless knows as the northern bank of the Neva, a part of Petersburg--an island, as the name tells us, where business is transacted; where steamers land their cargoes and riverside loafers impede the traffic.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading What the business of Karl Steinmetz may have been is not of moment or interest; moreover, it was essentially the affair of a man capable of holding his own and his tongue against the world.