used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
quickly and without warning
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
ailverbUS /eɪl/
be ill or unwell
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
ailed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading LOVE, AND MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO.
anticipateverbUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪt/
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading But we anticipate.
move towards
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
boyhoodnounUS /ˈbɔɪhʊd/
the childhood of a boy
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
brieflyadverbUS /ˈbriːfli/
for a short time
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But we anticipate.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
chroniclenounUS /ˈkrɑː.nɪ.kəl/
A detailed written record of historical events in order. (Sử ký, biên niên sử lịch sử.)
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
conceiveverbUS /kənˈsiːv/
have the idea for
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
diseasenounUS /dɪˈziːz/
an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
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 As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
gradualadjectiveUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəl/
proceeding in small stages
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
happiestadjectiveUS /ˈhæpiəst/
superlative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading LOVE, AND MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO.
manhoodnounUS /ˈmænhʊd/
the state of being a man; manly qualities
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading LOVE, AND MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO.
misfortunesnounUS /mɪˈsfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
used to form the superlative
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
to a great degree or extent
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
novelistnounUS /ˈnɑːvələst/
one who writes novels
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
an amount of time
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
PERTAININGverbUS /pərˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “pertain” — be relevant to
From this reading LOVE, AND MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO.
portionsnounUS /ˈpɔːrʃənz/
plural of “portion” — something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
prematurelyadverbUS /ˌpriːməˈtʃʊrli/
(of childbirth) before the end of the normal period of gestation
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
Quentin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
Quentin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
relateverbUS /rɪˈleɪt/
make a logical or causal connection
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
be seated
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
a thing, without saying which
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
to a small degree or extent
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
express in words
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
THERETOadverbUS /ˈðertuː/
to that
From this reading LOVE, AND MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
push forcefully
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading According to a recent novelist, "the happiest portions of existence are the most difficult to chronicle."
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
(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 "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
but in spite of that
From this reading "They would sit and sigh, And look upon each other and conceive Not what they ailed; yet something did they ail, And yet were well--and yet they were not well; And what was their disease they could not tell."
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading As we approach that period of Quentin's career, which was indeed his happiest, we experience something of this difficulty; and having much concerning his adventures to relate, must glance briefly at the gradual change from boyhood into youth--from youth to manhood, almost prematurely, for, by the course of events, misfortunes came early; and somewhat abruptly was Quentin thrust forth into the great battle of life.
