I penciled (BrE: pencilled) a brief reminder in my notebook.

A—a most distinguished visitor has just arrived. Distinguished fiddlestick! said Aunt Letty. There hasn't been a ring at the bell for the last hour.

The skipper Mr. Cooke had hired at Far Harbor was a God-fearing man with a luke warm interest in his new billet and employer, and had only been prevailed upon to take charge of the yacht after the offer of an emolument equal to half a year's sea pay of an ensign in the navy.

Nests are formed by the removal of soil to create an unsubstantive space.