Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading Alas for his precautions!

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

the act of breaking something

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a rapid active commotion

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

provoking fear terror

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

having or marked by confidence or assurance

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

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

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

comparative of “dear” — dearly loved

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

argue or speak in defense of

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

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

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

moving toward the east

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

a social unit living together

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

a fortified defensive structure

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

physically weak

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

praise vociferously

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

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

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

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

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

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

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

in order that something should not happen

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

engage in

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

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

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading Alas for his precautions!

shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

without much difficulty

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

cause to become

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

reduced to silence

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

a violent commotion or disturbance

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

from that time on

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

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

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

full of trouble

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

lacking in security or safety

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.

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

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

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

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

during the time that

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

which person or people

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

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

From this reading So furious was the tempest that it was impossible to wholly protect the invalid from it, and in less than a week thereafter the noisy bustle of Johnson Hall was silenced for an hour by her funeral.

possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading During the wearisome eastward journey, the travellers were drenched by a fierce storm of rain and hail that was followed by a chilling wind.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading This he did the more readily on account of his wife's health, which was so precarious that, while the major was confident he could defend his forest fortress against any ordinary attack, he feared lest the excitement of such an affair might prove too much for the frail woman who was dearer to him than life.

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

From this reading THE MAJOR RE-ENTERS ACTIVE SERVICE On the breaking out of the French war, Major Hester accepted his friend's invitation to remove his family to Johnson Hall, and make that his home during the troublous times that would render Tawtry House an unsafe place of residence.