Chapter II

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

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

later than; following

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading BERTHA’S WISH.

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

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

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

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

plural of “concert” — a performance of music by players or singers not involving theatrical staging

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

money collected under a tariff

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

dearly loved

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

plural of “feast” — a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

a person of German nationality

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

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

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

unpleasantly stern

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

lacking in physical beauty or proportion

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

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

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

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

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

hear with intention

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

not any; not one

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

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

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

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 Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

express in words

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

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

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

express in speech

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

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

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

freed of dependence on something especially (for mammals) mother's milk

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

(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 Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

in or at the place that

From this reading Berty had, too, or fancied she had, a dim remembrance of some of the scenes which the good old lady described, especially of the Christmas trees, and birthday feasts, and the concerts in the _Volksgarten_, or public park, of the city where her parents had lived.

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

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.

which person or people

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading BERTHA’S WISH.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading It was one night after they had been to visit the kind old German lady, their mother’s friend, that this wonderful wish came into Berty’s heart.

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

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

but in spite of that

From this reading Madame Hansmann, as this old lady was called by the people of Biddy’s house, was not yet weaned from the dear _Vaterland_, as she called her native country, and liked nothing so well as talking of its kindly ways and pleasant customs to any one who would listen.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading She knew no English; but the homely German, which, I dare say, sounds harsh and unpleasant enough to you, was music in Bertha’s ears; for it was the language in which she had always heard her mother speak.