Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

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

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

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

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

rid of obstructions

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

plural of “complication” — the act or process of complicating

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

not accessible to view

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

draw someone's attention away from something

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

plural of “drawback” — the quality of being a hindrance

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

plural of “embarrassment” — the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

a social unit living together

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

highest in quality

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

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

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

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

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

many times at short intervals

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

not used up

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

not often

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

responsive to physical stimuli

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

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

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

a particular environment or walk of life

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

not in physical motion

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

your usual mood

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

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

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

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

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

a source of difficulty

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

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

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

precisely as stated

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

-ing form of “ware” — spend extravagantly

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

at the time that

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

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

From this reading Lady Markham’s story was one which was very well known to Society--to which everything is known--though it had remained so long a secret, and was still a mystery to one of her children.

belonging to which person

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Waring had been able to lose himself in distance, and keep his position concealed from every one; but it was clear that his wife could not do so, remaining as she did in the world which was fully acquainted with her, and which required an explanation of everything that happened.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading So long as existence is without complications, this matters little; but when these arise, those difficulties which so often distract the career of a family, the inevitable explanations that have to be made to the little interested ring of spectators, is often the worst part of domestic trouble.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Waring, whose temperament was what is called sensitive--that is, impatient, self-willed, and unenduring--would not submit to such a necessity.

but in spite of that

From this reading Perhaps it is more essential to a woman than to a man that her position should be fully explained, though it is one of the drawbacks of an established place and sphere, which is seldom spoken of, yet is very real, and one of the greatest embarrassments of life.