Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

not being in a specified place

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

encouragement of the progress or growth or acceptance of something

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

(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 That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AT THE BONNIVELS'.

the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

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

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

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

From this reading AT THE BONNIVELS'.

the two together, not just one

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

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

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

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

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

a social unit living together

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

possessive form of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

a boy or man

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

plural of “gainer” — a person who gains weight

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

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

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

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

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

and nothing more

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

a historical area and former kingdom in northwestern Spain

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

the position of a lieutenant

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity that occurs late in pregnancy; the fetus is said to have dropped

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

full of life and energy

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

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 The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

a form of address for a man

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

connected with or belonging to or used in a navy

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

an educational institution

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

transport commercially

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

a male human offspring

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

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

From this reading AT THE BONNIVELS'.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading He had just been advanced to a first lieutenancy, and the family were jubilant in consequence.

plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

at the time that

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.

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

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

which person or people

From this reading The Bonnivels were at dinner, one evening, somewhat before the events related in the past few pages, and were discussing in lively tones a long letter which had come from Leon that day--Leon Bonnivel, the absent son and brother who was in a ship of war off the South Atlantic coast.

belonging to which person

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

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

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

but in spite of that

From this reading That Madame Bonnivel and Camille were never allowed to feel their dependence upon Mr. and Mrs. Larrimer Driscoll took from its bitterness, yet it was to Leon both looked as the family's true head, by whose advancement all would certainly be gainers.

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

From this reading For the Bonnivels had known hard times in their southern home, when Dorette and Leon were little, and his appointment to the Naval school had been the first lightening of their fortunes, Dorette's marriage to an honest young fellow in a good situation the second.