Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

highly skilled

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

(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 Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

affect with wonder

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

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

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

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

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

pertaining to or characteristic of apoplexy

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

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

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

plural of “attack” — (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

a beckoning gesture

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

inflected form of “bear” — have

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

a sudden desire

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

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

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

past form of “converse” — carry on a conversation

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

at any time

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

a social unit living together

From this reading Very little indeed of the family history was known to him.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

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

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

a female heir

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Very little indeed of the family history was known to him.

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

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading Very little indeed of the family history was known to him.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

diminished in strength, quality, or utility

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Very little indeed of the family history was known to him.

knowledge and intellectual ability

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

a female relative

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Very little indeed of the family history was known to him.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

a professional person trained in library science and engaged in library services

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

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

From this reading Very little indeed of the family history was known to him.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

something that is lost

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

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

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

make reference to

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

a marriage with a person of inferior social status

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

not any; not one

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

on one occasion

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

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

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

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

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

by chance

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

excluded from use or mention

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

term of address for a man

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

plural of “squire” — young nobleman attendant on a knight

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

a following of one thing after another in time

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

required or under orders

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

precisely as stated

From this reading Very little indeed of the family history was known to him.

plural of “villager” — one who has lived in a village most of their life

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

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

From this reading That her loss of the St. John property, the succession of Percival’s father, were unexpected by the villagers and squires around, and perhaps set down to the caprice of Sir Miles, or to an intellect impaired by apoplectic attacks, it was not likely that he should have heard.

at the time that

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

which person or people

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

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

From this reading Having once ascertained the house in which Helen lived, it was no difficult matter for St. John to learn the name of the guardian whom Beck had supposed to be her mother.

in a willing manner

From this reading Neither his father nor his mother ever willingly conversed of the fallen heiress,--it was a subject which the children had felt to be proscribed; but in the neighbourhood, Percival had of course heard some mention of Lucretia as the haughty and accomplished Miss Clavering, who had, to the astonishment of all, stooped to a mesalliance with her uncle’s French librarian.

in the company of; together with

From this reading No common delight mingled with Percival’s amaze when in that name he recognized one borne by his own kinswoman.