Chapter XII

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

From this reading A SINFUL LOVE.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

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

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

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

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

combine into one

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

marked by blithe unconcern

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

the act of closing something

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

plural of “club” — a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

determine the essential quality of

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

take exception to

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

a young female

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

only a very short time before

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading To Mrs. Sinclair, Stella was lost indeed.

afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

immediately past

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

plural of “limit” — the greatest possible degree of something

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading To Mrs. Sinclair, Stella was lost indeed.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading A SINFUL LOVE.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading To Mrs. Sinclair, Stella was lost indeed.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

plural of “observer” — a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

many times at short intervals

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

a strong liking

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

by reasonable assumption

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

United States writer whose novels argued for social reform (1878-1968)

From this reading To Mrs. Sinclair, Stella was lost indeed.

characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin

From this reading A SINFUL LOVE.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

a male human offspring

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

United States minimalist painter (born in 1936)

From this reading To Mrs. Sinclair, Stella was lost indeed.

not in physical motion

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

plural of “theatre” — a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

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

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

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

From this reading To Mrs. Sinclair, Stella was lost indeed.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

up to a particular time

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

plural of “visitor” — someone who visits

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading To Mrs. Sinclair, Stella was lost indeed.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading So closely love and passion blend-- Their limits we can not define-- One hardly knows they've reached the end Until they've passed beyond the line.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

which person or people

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

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

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Almost insane with grief, the good woman placed the matter in the competent hands of Scotland Yard, and closing her house to all visitors, gave herself up to a grief more bitter far than that which would be felt at death itself.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading She had at last discovered beyond dispute that her son had frequented the clubs and theatres of London for a year past, under different names and often in the company of a young girl, who, although evidently from the middle classes, was still sufficiently beautiful to attract the attention of casual observers and win the attention and preference of one so (presumably) fastidious as Maurice Sinclair.