Chapter XXV

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

matters of personal concern

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

later than; following

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

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

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

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

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

possessive form of “berkeley” — Irish philosopher and Anglican bishop who opposed the materialism of Thomas Hobbes (1685-1753)

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

a small lightweight carriage; drawn by a single horse

From this reading THE GROCER’S BUGGY ONCE MORE.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

providing freedom from worry

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

being joined in close association

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

treated so as to have a permanently wrinkled appearance

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

to double the degree

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

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

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

possessive form of “grocer” — a retail merchant who sells foodstuffs (and some household supplies)

From this reading THE GROCER’S BUGGY ONCE MORE.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

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

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

having or manifesting hope

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

possessive form of “jenny” — United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

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 But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

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

From this reading THE GROCER’S BUGGY ONCE MORE.

United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881)

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

a form of address for a man

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

not any; not one

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

a brief written record

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

on one occasion

From this reading THE GROCER’S BUGGY ONCE MORE.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

above and across; more than

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

-ing form of “quiet” — become quiet or quieter

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

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

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

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

From this reading THE GROCER’S BUGGY ONCE MORE.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

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

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

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

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

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

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

not deserved or earned

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Phil felt so utterly crushed by his uncle’s note, which to him seemed so hard and undeserved, and which, coming at such a time, was doubly severe in its effect, that at first he took no interest in such matters.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.

precisely as stated

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But John Morgan knew of the boy’s troubles, having had very full accounts of them from Jenny, though, indeed, nothing had been said to him of Mr. Berkeley’s letter, and, seeing what a melancholy mood he was in, he thought the best way to comfort him was to talk of every-day matters in as cheerful and hopeful a way as possible.

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

From this reading John Morgan, Jenny’s father, was a very sensible, practical man, and he had, besides, a genial and kindly humor which had a good deal of effect that evening in quieting and comforting the troubled soul of poor Phil.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The two sat together for an hour or more after supper, talking over the various affairs connected with the farm.