Chapter I

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

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

how long something has existed

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

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

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

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

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

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

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

achieved or reached

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF “WITHIN THE PRECINCTS,” ETC.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

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

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

the two together, not just one

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

a young person of either sex

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

a period of 10 years

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

coming down or downward

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

plural of “enjoyment” — the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

having or showing great excitement and interest

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “WITHIN THE PRECINCTS,” ETC.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

the time of life between 40 and 50

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

death of a person

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

highest in quality

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

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

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

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

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

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

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

proceeding from natural feeling or impulse without external stimulus

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

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

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

the sound of laughing

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

engage in

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

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

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

joined in matrimony

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

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

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

used to form the superlative

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

easily agitated

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF “WITHIN THE PRECINCTS,” ETC.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

and nothing more

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

of or relating to philosophy or philosophers

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

a relatively flat highland

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

plural of “precinct” — a district of a city or town marked out for administrative purposes

From this reading AUTHOR OF “WITHIN THE PRECINCTS,” ETC.

plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

only a very short time before

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

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

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

not financially safe or secure

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “WITHIN THE PRECINCTS,” ETC.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

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

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

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

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

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

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

the time of life between 20 and 30

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

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

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

(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 He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

at the time that

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

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

From this reading They had both got footing on that plateau of middle age which, if it comes to something like level ground at thirty, need not think of a descending step for twenty years--the time of the greatest enjoyments and most solid progress of life.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading AUTHOR OF “WITHIN THE PRECINCTS,” ETC.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading She was impulsive, enthusiastic and nervous; he philosophical and speculative, a man ready to discuss any theory in earth or heaven, and without any prejudices such as might make one subject of discussion appear less legitimate than another.

a late time of life

From this reading James Beresford and Annie his wife had been married for more than a dozen years--their only child, indeed, had nearly attained the age of twelve at the time when this history begins.

but in spite of that

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading He was at one end and she at the other of the first decade; the one approaching the forties, the other scarcely well out of the twenties; both ready to laugh at the advance of years, which was as yet but a joke to them, and neither having thought of bidding any grave farewell to youth.