They had prepared their minds to hear direful tales; and they were almost in a rage at being assured that he had nothing to relate.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
The gossiping knot dispersed, each charged with direful intelligence.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
The horses were led up and down before the door; every body had something to say, and something to do, and hurried hither and thither; there was a direful yelping of dogs; some that were to accompany us being eager to set off, and others that were to stay at home being whipped back to their kennels.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving