Chapter XXII · Chapter 22

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

later than; following

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

any person at all

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

past form of “chill” — depress or discourage

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

formal or perfunctory politeness

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

plural of “command” — an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

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

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

a small third seat in the back of an old-fashioned two-seater

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

plural of “engagement” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

a social unit living together

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

inflected form of “fan” — strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

usually; as a rule

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

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

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

containing or characterized by a great deal of water vapor

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

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

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

advancing in amount or intensity

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

immediately past

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

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 It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

informal terms for a mother

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

used to form the superlative

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

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

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

covered with water

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

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

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

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

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

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

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

more desirable than another

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

express in words

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

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

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

a special situation

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

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

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading After two days of the most humid civility Mrs. Portheris had brought momma round.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

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

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Dicky was for taking my parents into our confidence as a measure of preparation, but with poppa's commands upon me with regard to Arthur, I felt a delicacy as to the subject of engagements generally.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I never could quite understand Mrs. Portheris's increasingly good opinion of us at this point.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Besides, one never can tell whether one's poppa and momma would back one up in a thing like that.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.

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

From this reading It was not an easy process, momma had such a way of fanning herself and regarding distant objects; and Dicky and I observed its difficulties with great satisfaction, for a family matter would be the last thing anybody would venture to discuss with momma under such circumstances, and we very much preferred that Mrs. Portheris's overflowing congratulations should be chilled off as long as possible.