Chapter VIII

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

the state of being absent

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

every second one of a series

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

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

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

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

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

for the reason that

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

confined by bonds

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

(ancient Rome) the leader of 100 soldiers

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

very strong; urgently felt

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

plural of “cup” — a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

divisible by two

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

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

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Christ's life and teachings

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

a district of Manhattan; now largely a Black ghetto

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

showing lack of due respect or veneration

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

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

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

a narrow way or road

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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 If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

a female domestic

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

a milkshake made with malt powder

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

according to the clock

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

and nothing more

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

above and across; more than

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

past form of “overwork” — use too much

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

an authoritative person who divines the future

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

past form of “protest” — utter words of protest

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

a stipulated condition

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

on the contrary

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

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

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

in a grave and sedate manner

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

maintained at length without interruption or weakening

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

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 "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

the ordinal number of thirty-three in counting order

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

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

From this reading "Phyllis is rather like the centurion in the gospel: she tells one to go, and she goeth, and another to do this, and she doeth it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

past form of “toil” — work hard

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

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

From this reading That isn't irreverent, because the centurion was only a Roman soldier, not even a prophet," said Bab, as she and Jessamy toiled up the elevated-road steps at Thirty-third Street.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

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

From this reading THE TURN OF THE LANE Jessamy and Barbara were ready for their expedition in search of peace by nine o'clock the next morning.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.

which person or people

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

disposed or inclined toward

From this reading If they were detained over lunch-hour, the willing but overworked maid was engaged to serve them, a provision for possibilities suggested by Phyllis, who realized that Harlem was a long distance away and flat-seeking consuming of time.

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

From this reading Phyllis had solemnly promised to prepare for herself and her aunt alternate cups of beef-tea and malted milk for every two hours of their absence, a task to which she protested she was quite equal, especially as she would be sustained by the remembrance of the errand on which they were bound.