Chapter IX

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

the state of being absent

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

later than; following

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

plural of “anecdote” — short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

an experience that appalls

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

your usual mood

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

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

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

filled with wonder and delight

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

divisible by two

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

at any time

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

a young female

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

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

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

having or manifesting hope

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

a message received and understood

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

communication between individuals

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

a landowner

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

plural of “level” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

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

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

feeling or showing love and affection

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

subject to death

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

a feeling of deep longing

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

any of numerous short-stemmed plants of the genus Primula having tufted basal leaves and showy flowers clustered in umbels or heads

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

new

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

express in words

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

express in words

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

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

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

precisely as stated

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

accept gladly

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

during the time that

From this reading THE LESSONS THAT PRIMROSE GAVE WHILE BALCAIRNIE LOOKED ON.

which person or people

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

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

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading Even Primrose, who was of a hopeful disposition, with some well-placed confidence in her social powers, had wondered what she could get to say to Peggy in the intercourse which must follow, and Peggy had been in mortal terror at the appalling necessity of making conversation for Miss Ramsay.

(used as an intensifier) extremely well

From this reading But after the first ten minutes the talk became wonderfully easy between these two honest, single-hearted, gentle souls, though they were on different levels of intelligence and education.

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

From this reading Why, Primrose was the first intimate friend and equal--like a sister of Drumsheugh’s--whom Peggy had ever known, who could and would give the loving girl--pining for talk of Drumsheugh in his absence--welcome, though not very recent information concerning him.

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

From this reading Peggy was entranced by what Primrose could tell of her early visits to Drumsheugh--including innumerable anecdotes of the young laird.