Chapter X · Chapter 10

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

-ing form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

recognize with gratitude; be grateful for

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

lacking funds

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

a person who is in charge

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

a group of people living in a particular local area

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

recurring regularly or frequently in a prolonged and closely spaced series

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

a female human offspring

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

the last (12th) month of the year

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

state emphatically and authoritatively

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

affording satisfaction or pleasure

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

at any time

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

a state of conflict between persons

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

plural of “grievance” — a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

plural of “indulgence” — an inability to resist the gratification of whims and desires

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

engage in

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

not caught with the senses or the mind

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

continually complaining or faultfinding

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

go across or through

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

affording physical or mental rest

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

formal and explicit approval

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

an educational institution

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

have in common

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

with no problems or difficulties

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

in the near future

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

comparative of “strict” — rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Aldred thought that this Christmas was the most enjoyable one she had ever spent; she felt as if she had returned to Dingfield on an entirely different footing, and that now she had quite a new position at home.

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

having passed out of existence

From this reading It was plain that she thought Aldred much improved, and, as some of the chief causes of friction had now vanished, she was ready to forget old grievances, declare a truce, and try to make the holidays pass as smoothly as possible.

someone who visits

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

during the time that

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

which person or people

From this reading Her father, who had taken slight notice of her before, had missed her while she was away, and began suddenly to appreciate how much his daughter was to him, and to give her a larger share of his attention than had hitherto fallen to her lot.

belonging to which person

From this reading Aunt Bertha, whose former attitude had been one of continual criticism, stopped nagging and fault-finding, and treated her niece almost like a visitor, allowing many small indulgences which she had never been accustomed to sanction, and relaxing some of her stricter rules.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading A Frosty January School broke up on December 18th, and the little community at Birkwood was soon scattered far and wide.