used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
acknowledgingverbUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “acknowledge” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
adoptionnounUS /əˈdɑːpʃən/
the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
(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 It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
allowingverbUS /əˈlaʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
bafflednounUS /ˈbæfəld/
people who are frustrated and perplexed
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
challengingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃæləndʒɪŋ/
requiring full use of your abilities or resources
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
CLEMENT'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CLEMENT'S QUEST.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
a female human offspring
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
disheartenedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈhɑːrtənd/
made less hopeful or enthusiastic
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
dominantadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːmənənt/
exercising influence or control
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
enshroudedverbUS /ɪnˈʃraʊdəd/
past form of “enshroud” — cover as if with a shroud
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
divisible by two
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
the state or fact of existing
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
factornounUS /ˈfæktər/
anything that contributes causally to a result
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
Hermia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
not accessible to view
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
immediately past
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
not any; not one
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
and nothing more
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
have ownership or possession of
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a future prospect or potential
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
QUESTnounUS /kwest/
a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
From this reading CLEMENT'S QUEST.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
revertverbUS /rɪˈvɜːrt/
go back to a previous state
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
Identical; not different.
From this reading And might not the same or other reasons still have force enough to keep her from acknowledging her daughter, or even allowing the fact of her own existence to become known?
a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
seemingadjectiveUS /ˈsiːmɪŋ/
appearing as such but not necessarily so
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading More and more the possibility that she might still have a mother living became a dominant factor in her thoughts.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
not in physical motion
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Might there not have been a score of different reasons, she asked herself, why this mother should have been compelled to put her child out among strangers?
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
a late time of life
From this reading It was only natural that Hermia's thoughts, since "Uncle John" had revealed to her the story of her adoption, should revert times without number to the mystery which enshrouded her birth and early years, challenging it first from one point of view and then from another, but only to give it up at last baffled and disheartened, and still, to all seeming, no nearer than before to finding the hidden key.
