Chapter I

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading BY GRACE AGUILAR.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

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

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading HERBERT TOWNSHEND BOWEN.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading BY GRACE AGUILAR.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

complete and wholehearted fidelity

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

put in effect

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading BY GRACE AGUILAR.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)

From this reading HERBERT TOWNSHEND BOWEN.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

clarify by giving an example of

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

clarifying by use of examples

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

free from external control and constraint

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

communication between individuals

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading TO MRS.

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

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

not any; not one

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

by chance

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

plural of “responsibility” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

plural of “seek” — the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

plural of “sentiment” — tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

given added strength or support

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

past form of “tender” — offer or present for acceptance

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading TO MRS.

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

From this reading HERBERT TOWNSHEND BOWEN.

not ostentatious

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

not subject to restraint

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

up to a particular time

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

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

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be tendered.

the one or ones belonging to the person spoken to

From this reading Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if no story of mine could more completely belong to you.