It really can only be made clear by examples.

As, for instance: It is fairly late in the evening.

In one of the little tea shops is a group of girls and men smoking.

To them enters a youth, who is hailed with "How is Dickey's neuralgia ?" The newcomer grins and answers: "Better, I guess.

He's had six drinks, and is now asleep upstairs on Eleanore's couch.