Chapter IV

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

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

(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 will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

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

From this reading GASPARD AND HIS FAMILY LEAVE THEIR HOME.

any thing at all

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

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

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

carefully weighed

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

the first light of day

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

one or the other of two

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

a social unit living together

From this reading GASPARD AND HIS FAMILY LEAVE THEIR HOME.

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

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

by good fortune

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading GASPARD AND HIS FAMILY LEAVE THEIR HOME.

in a willing manner

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

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

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

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

From this reading GASPARD AND HIS FAMILY LEAVE THEIR HOME.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading GASPARD AND HIS FAMILY LEAVE THEIR HOME.

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

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

plural of “job” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

go away from a place

From this reading GASPARD AND HIS FAMILY LEAVE THEIR HOME.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

not taken into account

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

a sudden sharp feeling

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

past form of “prize” — hold dear

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

past form of “recollect” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

not often

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

have in common

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

refrain from harming

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

carry out

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading GASPARD AND HIS FAMILY LEAVE THEIR HOME.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

a special situation

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

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

From this reading THE following morning they were up by daybreak, in order to prepare for their sad journey.

at the time that

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading It will easily be believed that it cost our little party many a pang to leave their home, and to part with all they cared for.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Gaspard fortunately recollected that one thing which might now be of essential service to them had either been overlooked, or not considered of sufficient value to have been taken; this was a donkey which his boys used for such small jobs as they were able to do about the place; and a day seldom passed without Pedro, as they called it, having his full share of labour, and by the boys Pedro was as much prized as anything they possessed.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Great was their joy when their father said he would gladly take it with them; he knew it would spare much fatigue to his wife and boys.