used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
abundantadjectiveUS /əˈbʌndənt/
present in great quantity
From this reading Joyce had abundant resources in herself.
(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 It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
apportionverbUS /əˈpɔːrʃən/
distribute according to a plan or set apart for a special purpose
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
on or to one side
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
confusingadjectiveUS /kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/
causing confusion or disorientation
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
encounteredverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntərd/
past form of “encounter” — come together
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
Hayward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
Hayward's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
homelikeadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊmlaɪk/
having a feeling of home; cozy and comfortable
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
JoycenounUS /dʒɔɪs/
influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
Joyce'snounUS /ˈdʒɔɪsɪz/
possessive form of “joyce” — influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
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 These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
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 These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
necessitiesnounUS /nəˈsesɪtiz/
plural of “necessity” — the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
on one occasion
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
go across or through
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
practicableadjectiveUS /ˈpræktəkəbəl/
usable for a specific purpose
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
problemsnounUS /ˈprɑːbləmz/
plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
reconcileverbUS /ˈrekənsaɪl/
make (one thing) compatible with
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
resourcesnounUS /ˈriːsɔːrsɪz/
plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
From this reading Joyce had abundant resources in herself.
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
express in words
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
solvedadjectiveUS /sɑːlvd/
explained or answered
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
stepmothernounUS /ˈstepmʌðər/
the wife of your father by a subsequent marriage
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
subdueverbUS /səbˈduː/
put down by force or intimidation
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
a source of difficulty
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
untriedadjectiveUS /ənˈtraɪd/
not tried or tested by experience
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was some days before the new difficulties which possessed all Mrs. Hayward’s thoughts were fully revealed to Joyce.
in the company of; together with
From this reading These early days were long, being full of so many confusing circumstances and new problems to be encountered, solved, or left aside for further trouble in their turn; and what she had heard her stepmother say about her bringing up had passed over Joyce’s mind with little effect.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She had enough to do in other ways: to find out a mode of living which would be practicable, to subdue her own spirit, to reconcile herself with so many new necessities all rushing upon her at once.
but in spite of that
From this reading How to apportion her time was in itself a difficulty almost beyond her untried powers: to be long enough, yet not too long, with Mrs. Hayward--to find something to do during these hours which she had to pass in that drawing-room which was so pretty and comfortable, but so little homelike to the stranger.
