used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
any thing at all
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
Beatrix's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
for the reason that
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
complyverbUS /kəmˈplaɪ/
act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
detachmentnounUS /dɪˈtætʃmənt/
avoiding emotional involvement
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
apart from; not including
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
exercisedverbUS /ˈeksərsaɪzd/
past form of “exercise” — put to use
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
a social unit living together
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
Grafton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
handledadjectiveUS /ˈhændəld/
having a usually specified type of handle
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
involvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlvd/
connected by participation or association or use
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
Lassigny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
held dear
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
MarquisnounUS /ˌmɑːrˈkiː/
humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
and nothing more
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
pleasingadjectiveUS /ˈpliːzɪŋ/
giving pleasure and satisfaction
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading His family appeared to possess and to exercise complete liberty of action, and he to fall in with their wishes as much as they with his.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
express in words
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
only a very short time before
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
spherenounUS /sfɪr/
a particular environment or walk of life
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
(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 If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
which person or people
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading THE SYSTEM Except where his feelings were deeply involved, as they had been in that matter of Beatrix's affair with the Marquis de Lassigny, George Grafton was a man who exercised authority with an easy grace which those who came within its sphere scarcely realised as authority, so much did his wishes seem to comply with their own.
wontedadjective
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading This was in small matters; but there had never been any big difference of desire, except in Beatrix's affair, which he had not handled with his wonted easy detachment.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading If any of them wanted to do anything that he did not care about, he had only to say that he didn't care about it, and they not only didn't do it, but didn't want to do it, because there was nothing so well worth doing as pleasing him.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading But this was because they all loved one another, and they had kept him young between them.
