Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

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

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

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

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

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

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

the cognitive process that leads to convictions

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

expletives used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

a youthful male person

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

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

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

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

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

soreness or irritation of the skin caused by friction

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

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

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

-ing form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

past form of “dawn” — become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

plural of “eighth” — position eight in a countable series of things

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

ludicrously odd

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

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

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

in a gradual manner

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

death of a person

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

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

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

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

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

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

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

someone who hunts game

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

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

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

the act of prolonging something

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

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

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

deeply or seriously thoughtful

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

housing available for people to live in

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

possessive form of “sarah” — (Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

having a well-proportioned and pleasing shape

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

a temporary state in which you are unable (or unwilling) to sleep

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

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

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

English writer (1832-1904)

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

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

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

the upper part of anything

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

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

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Caleb Hunter, rising from an uneasy night, blamed his sleeplessness upon the weather.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

at the time that

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

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

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

during the time that

From this reading Throughout the night while he lay awake pondering the fantastic possibilities which the boy's story had stirred him into half believing, Caleb had had gradually lengthening moments of doubt in which he admitted to himself that his sister was right in her chafing analysis of him, her brother.

which person or people

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.

without or almost without wind

From this reading THREE QUARTERS AND SIX EIGHTHS Saturday morning dawned as hot and dry and windless as had been the other days of the week which had preceded it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The little stranger with the grave voice, who had introduced himself as Stephen O'Mara, had not heard Caleb's step and the latter stood for a time in the doorway, contemplating the small, square-set shoulders in the canvas coat which had been his sister Sarah's, and the small, shapely head above them.

but in spite of that

From this reading It was fully an hour before his usual, not-too-early hour of rising, when he slowly descended the wide stairway; and yet he was but little surprised to find the boy already there before him, seated upon the top step of the verandah, when he strolled outside.