Sentence:  Since ordinary breakfast-table conversation was impossible , it was at least something that they were <WSD>able</WSD> to offer Eugene the sugar bowl with their sugar in it , and the plate of bread and butter , and that Eugene could return the pitcher of hot milk to them handle first . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something