Chapter IX

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

plural of “anticipation” — an expectation

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

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

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

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

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

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

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

rid of obstructions

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

(Greek mythology) wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

a quick look

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

having or deserving or conferring glory

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

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

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

full of or characterized by joy

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

and nothing more

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

immediately past

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

held dear

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

possessive form of “luke” — (New Testament) the Apostle closely associated with St. Paul and traditionally assumed to be the author of the third Gospel

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

a gay feeling

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

not any; not one

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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 Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

a full supply

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

the act of applying force in order to move something away

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

an educational institution

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

deliver by singing

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

a short musical composition with words

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

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

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

in an affectionate or loving manner (“sweet” is sometimes a poetic or informal variant of “sweetly”)

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

the profession of a teacher

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

for a limited time only; not permanently

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

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

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

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

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading There is no time so full of joyous anticipations, merriment and human kindness as that just before Christmas.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

a compliment that I heard about you that I offer to trade for a compliment you have heard about me

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

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

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

(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 MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

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

From this reading These she was teaching Luke’s beautiful Christmas story and to sing out sweetly “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,” for they were to sing that in their Christmas celebration.

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

From this reading Plenty of sleep at night, on which Betty’s parents insisted as a rule, gave Betty energy for every day’s full program.

past form of “whisk” — move somewhere quickly

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

belonging to which person

From this reading Temporarily Betty was in charge of a Sunday school class of children, little girls whose teacher was ill.

in the company of; together with

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.

plural of “woe” — misery resulting from affliction

From this reading MYSTERIES, PREPARATIONS AND A “TRADE-LAST” It was characteristic of Betty’s rushing life, a life she loved, by the way, that she should be whisked from Lucia’s woes and the glimpse of life at the Murchison home to the problems of Doris, in her own well ordered home, and then to the pushing program of school, with the last Christmas preparations.