Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

giving an advantage

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

anew

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

(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 Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

Having no one else present.

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

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

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

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

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

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

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

for the reason that

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

in a courageous manner

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

carefully weighed

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

past form of “conspire” — engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

causing distress or worry or anxiety

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

beyond normal limits

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a gay feeling

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

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

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

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

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

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

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

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

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

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

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

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

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

make worse or less effective

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

transmit (knowledge or skills)

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

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

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

-ing form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

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

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

mated sexually

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

characteristic of a mother

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

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

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

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

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

as yourself

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

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

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

first in rank or degree

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

a state of peace and quiet

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

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

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

that is looked for

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a swelling rush of anything

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

not in physical motion

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

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

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

make strong or stronger

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a state of acute pain

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

an acknowledgment of appreciation

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

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

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

in or at that place or location

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

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

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

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

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

in the direction of

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

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

From this reading If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his sons' sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house he might impair its quietude and gaiety.

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

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and advantageous for all?

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

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

which person or people

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

belonging to which person

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He was still in his prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement.

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

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading However, there was the great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to the house.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading But now there was a woman among them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart.