Chapter III

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

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

later than; following

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

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

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

of or relating to or characteristic of Belgium or the Belgian people

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

a university in England

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

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

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

past form of “comprise” — be composed of

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

one of the large landmasses of the earth

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

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

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

plural of “domestic” — a servant who is paid to perform menial tasks around the household

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

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

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

being one more than seventeen

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

first in order of birth

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

past form of “entrust” — confer a trust upon

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

divisible by two

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

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

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

a social unit living together

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

plural of “gradation” — relative position in a graded series

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

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

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

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

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

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

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

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

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

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

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

a social unit living together

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

and nothing more

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

a boy or man

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

plural of “language” — a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

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

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

the mansion of a lord or wealthy person

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

a form of address for a man

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

and nothing more

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

select carefully from a group

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

past form of “radiate” — send out rays or waves

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

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

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

United States architect (1838-1886)

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

a long thin implement made of metal or wood

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

subject to a ruling authority

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

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

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

not in physical motion

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

management by overseeing the performance or operation of a person or group

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

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

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

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

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

not having form or shape

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

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

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

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

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He was to start early the next day for the continent, where he was to pick up what foreign languages he could before he entered at Cambridge in the following October.

at the time that

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

in or at the place that

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

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

From this reading On the day after my arrival I was studying the church and the streets of the village, which radiated like a fan from the foot of the hill where I stood, when I was met by Reginald who had dined with us the evening before.

which person or people

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

belonging to which person

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

a man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading LIKE his brother at the Manor House hard by, my Rector, Mr. Richardson, was a widower, having lost his wife only six months before my arrival.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

but in spite of that

From this reading As yet their characters were still unformed, and had been entrusted for their development to a clever little Belgian, Josephine Armand by name, who, in addition to the superintendence of their education, managed the Rector’s household for him, and ruled the domestics with a rod of iron.

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading His family was comprised of four children, whose ages descended by even gradations from Reginald, the eldest, a handsome lad of eighteen whose school-life had just ended, down to Aggie the youngest, a wild little maiden of twelve.