used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
afflictionsnounUS /əˈflɪkʃənz/
plural of “affliction” — a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
(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 He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
blockingnounUS /ˈblɑːkɪŋ/
the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
a youthful male person
From this reading I have said little of this boy.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
a young person of either sex
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
concentratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪtɪd/
gathered together or made less diffuse
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
crippleverbUS /ˈkrɪpəl/
deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
crutchnounUS /krʌtʃ/
a wooden or metal staff that fits under the armpit and reaches to the ground; used by disabled person while walking
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
diseasenounUS /dɪˈziːz/
an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
divisible by two
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
exemptionnounUS /ɪɡˈzempʃən/
immunity from an obligation or duty
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
a social unit living together
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
set up or found
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
Harley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I have said little of this boy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
healthfuladjectiveUS /ˈhelθfəl/
conducive to good health of body or mind
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
healthyadjectiveUS /ˈhelθi/
having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
not accessible to view
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
hopelessadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊpləs/
without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
householdsnounUS /ˈhaʊshoʊldz/
plural of “household” — a social unit living together
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I have said little of this boy.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
Johnnie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
lifetimenounUS /ˈlaɪftaɪm/
the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death)
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I have said little of this boy.
maintainverbUS /meɪnˈteɪn/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I have said little of this boy.
many times at short intervals
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
and nothing more
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
portfoliosnounUS /pɔːrtˈfoʊlioʊz/
plural of “portfolio” — a large, flat, thin case for carrying loose papers or drawings or maps; usually leather
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
proxynounUS /ˈprɑːksi/
a person authorized to act for another
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
possessing material wealth
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading I have said little of this boy.
unusual or striking
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
stereoscopes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
sufferernounUS /ˈsʌfərər/
a person suffering from an illness
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
a state of acute pain
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I have said little of this boy.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
unconquerableadjective
not capable of being conquered or vanquished or overcome
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
unexceptionably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
vigorousadjectiveUS /ˈvɪɡərəs/
characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity
From this reading Now he was better, and able to move about with the help of a crutch, but even now was a hopeless cripple, with only his vigorous mind and unconquerable spirits to maintain him through private hours of suffering.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
a flaw or weak point
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
wheeledadjectiveUS /wiːld/
having wheels; often used in combination
From this reading When Johnnie was a child he had only been moved in the little wheeled chair, got for him in his father’s lifetime, when they were rich.
at the time that
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
which person or people
From this reading He was the proxy which the handsome, healthy family had given for their singular exemption from disease and weakness--the one sufferer, among many strong, who is so often found in households unexceptionably healthful, as if all the minor afflictions which might have been divided among them had concentrated on one and left the rest free.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When we returned to the drawing-room after dinner, we found, hidden in a distant corner, with books and portfolios, and stereoscopes blocking up the table near him, Johnnie Harley.
