Chapter V

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

the two together, not just one

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

ready-to-eat food products

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

a very small circular shape

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

a social unit living together

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading Mrs. Kranz, the large German woman, was one of the Kenway girls' staunchest friends.

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

a person of German nationality

From this reading Mrs. Kranz, the large German woman, was one of the Kenway girls' staunchest friends.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Mrs. Kranz, the large German woman, was one of the Kenway girls' staunchest friends.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

a marketplace where groceries are sold

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Mrs. Kranz, the large German woman, was one of the Kenway girls' staunchest friends.

the act of departing

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

English poet; remembered primarily as the author of an epic poem describing humanity's fall from grace (1608-1674)

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

held or filled or in use

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Mrs. Kranz, the large German woman, was one of the Kenway girls' staunchest friends.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

above and across; more than

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

used of a height or viewpoint

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

plural of “shopkeeper” — a merchant who owns or manages a shop

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

be standing; be upright

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

superlative of “staunch” — firm and dependable especially in loyalty

From this reading Mrs. Kranz, the large German woman, was one of the Kenway girls' staunchest friends.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

plural of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

plural of “tenement” — a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading Both these shopkeepers were sure to aid the Corner House sisters in their plans for Christmas.

in the direction of

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

which person or people

From this reading MERRY TIMES Uncle Peter Stower, in dying and leaving his four grandnieces the Milton property, had left them, in addition (or so Ruth Kenway and her sisters concluded), the duty of overlooking the welfare of certain poor people who occupied the Stower tenements on Meadow Street, over toward the canal.

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

From this reading These tenants were mostly poor people; but Mrs. Kranz, who kept a delicatessen store and grocery, and Joe Maroni, whom Dot said was "both an ice man and a nice man" were two of the tenants who were well-to-do.

belonging to which person

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Mrs. Kranz, the large German woman, was one of the Kenway girls' staunchest friends.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading Joe Maroni, whose family lived in the corner cellar under Mrs. Kranz's store, sold coal and wood, as well as ice, and had a vegetable and fruit stand on the sidewalk.