Chapter II

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

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

having fair knowledge of

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

grievously affected especially by disease

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

open to or abounding in fresh air

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

in addition

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

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

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

the act of arranging and adapting a piece of music

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

possessive form of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

auguring favorable circumstances and good luck

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

past form of “award” — give, especially as an honor or reward

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

completely unclothed

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

absence of light or illumination

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

plural of “fad” — an interest followed with exaggerated zeal

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

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

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

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

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

an occurrence of something

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

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

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

past form of “lack” — be without

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

having no leaves

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

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

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

engage in

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

tediously repetitious or lacking in variety

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

plural of “morning” — the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

not any; not one

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

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

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

a girl attending school

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

in the near future

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

with speed

From this reading However, Letty speedily settled into her awarded niche, and endeavoured to make herself at home.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

arousing no interest or attention or curiosity or excitement

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

being of use or service

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

plural of “vas” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.

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

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

not unfriendly or threatening

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

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

From this reading Also, she did her utmost to be useful; but her well-meaning efforts were not always successful.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading She soon became acquainted with the dogs and horses, with her uncle’s little fads, and her aunt’s peculiarities, duly appeared at church, was presented to the parson’s afflicted wife, and made a state call upon Mrs. Hesketh.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It must be admitted that November is not an auspicious month for a stranger to make acquaintance with the English country; the trees are bare and leafless, the fields empty and uninteresting, and what can be said for monotonous, muddy roads, cold frosty mornings, and long dark nights?

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

From this reading For instance, with respect to arranging flowers, the schoolgirl had no experience, her vases looked ragged, or in clumps; she lacked the ‘airy, fairy’ touch of an expert--but that, no doubt, would come.