Chapter XIII

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

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

Having no one else present.

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

third-person singular of “appall” — strike with disgust or revulsion

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

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

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

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

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

have

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

for the reason that

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

without doubt or question

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

without deviation

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

in or to another place

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

divisible by two

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

give expression to

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

opinion or judgment

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

an act that fails

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

be unsure or weak

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

in a fluent manner

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

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

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

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

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

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

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

without or deprived of the use of speech or words

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

and nothing more

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

engage in

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

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

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

not any; not one

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

and nothing more

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

hold back within

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

express in words

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

and nothing more

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

express in speech

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

directly and without evasion; not roundabout

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

speak haltingly

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

be standing; be upright

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

not in physical motion

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

express a supposition

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

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

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

without meaning

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

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

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

precisely as stated

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

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

From this reading It is as if, instead of saying what I have to say, fluently and directly, I were to falter, and stammer, and gasp forth inarticulate, unmeaning sounds.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

at the time that

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

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

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

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

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

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

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.

of very poor quality or condition

From this reading I don't understand why I should have so much difficulty in saying it, why every attempt I make at saying it should be such a wretched failure.

shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)

From this reading I suppose it is because, when I bring my mind to bear upon it, when I look it squarely in the face, it appalls me so, I get so excited, my feelings get so wrought up, that I lose the self-command which a man must retain, in order to express himself clearly and fully with his pen.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Still elsewhere, he goes on as follows: “Christine, what I want to say to you is very simple.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If only the impossible were not impossible; if only the hopeless were not hopeless; if for one minute I could stand in your presence; alone with you, and look into your eyes, and touch your hand, and speak one word to you--just call you by your name, Christine!--or, no, not even do that, not even speak, but simply stand there silent, and look at you: then, I feel sure that somehow you would understand, and then I could find something like peace.