Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

speak to

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

later than; following

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

how long something has existed

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

in addition

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

any thing at all

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

for the reason that

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

the 2nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

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

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

-ing form of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

recognizable; marked

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

a social unit living together

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

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

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

only a very short time before

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

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

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

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

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

joined in matrimony

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

not any; not one

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

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

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

giving satisfaction

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

past form of “scrape” — scratch repeatedly

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

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

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

the name used to identify the members of a family (as distinguished from each member's given name)

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

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

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

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

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

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

From this reading That autumn Beth was married to Daniel Maclure, M.D., &c., &c.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading At the time of her marriage she hardly knew what his full name was.

at the time that

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

which person or people

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.

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

From this reading Beth decided to keep her surname for her father's sake, and also because she could not see why she should lose her identity because she had married.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had scraped acquaintance with her brother Jim in a public billiard-room in Rainharbour, and been introduced by him to the other members of her family, who, because his address was good and his appearance attractive, had taken it for granted that everything else concerning him was equally satisfactory.

a late time of life

From this reading She had always heard him called "the doctor" or "Dr. Dan," and had never thought of him as anything else, nor did she know anything else about him--his past, his family, or his prospects, which, considering her age, is not surprising; but what did surprise her in after years, when she discovered it, was to find that her friends who made the match knew no more about him than she did.