Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

later than; following

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

anew

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

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

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

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

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

the childhood of a boy

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

an impressive country house (or castle) in France

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

French actor and cabaret singer (1888-1972)

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

a young person of either sex

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

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

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

dearly loved

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

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

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

apart from; not including

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

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

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

destroyed or killed

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

and nothing more

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

a boy or man

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

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

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

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 On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

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

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

a person who carries a message

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

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

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

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

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

not any; not one

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

impressive in appearance

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

-ing form of “obey” — be obedient to

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

and nothing more

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

above and across; more than

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

coated with paint

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

coming next after the fifteenth in position

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

plural of “snowshoe” — a device to help you walk on deep snow; a lightweight frame shaped like a racquet is strengthened with cross pieces and contains a network of thongs; one is worn on each foot

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

a male human offspring

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

possessing sweep

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

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

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

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

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

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

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading Author of "SNOWSHOES AND SLEDGES," "THE PAINTED DESERT," "WAKULLA," ETC.

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

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

at the time that

From this reading When at length he came again, bringing a kind message that bade him come immediately to Paris and be a son to his equally lonely uncle, Rene lost no time in obeying.

in or at the place that

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

which person or people

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

possessive form of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In those days of tedious travel it seemed a weary time to the lonely lad before the messenger who had gone to Paris with a letter telling his uncle of his sad position could return.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Less than a month before both his noble father and his gentle mother had been taken from him by a terrible fever that had swept over the country, and Rene their only child, was left without a relative in the world except his uncle the Chevalier Rene de Laudonniere, after whom he was named.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.

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

From this reading On a dreary winter's day, early in the year 1564, young Rene de Veaux, who had just passed his sixteenth birthday, left the dear old chateau where he had spent his happy and careless boyhood, and started for Paris.