Possible Clues:

• (Of engine) ticked over
• Stayed in place
• Ticked over, investing old money in rising food store
• Guided by instinct, didn't do much
• In a way did cover the French for time spent doing nothing
• I had taken the initiative and watched others working?
• I had conducted the carollers, perhaps, but became lazy
• Turned over, but didn't get out of bed
• The setter's daughter showed the way, and ran slowly
• Kept the AC running while waiting, say