The analyses of a text #1

The narrator recalls his childhood.
He was forced to work for his own living for Mr. Murdstone's friend Mr. Quinion at London by his stepfather Mr. Murdstone after his mother's sudden death.
When the protagonist started to run away to his grand aunt Miss Betsey Trotwood, he was robbed his money and box by a porter and then he abandoned pursuing him after a long distance pursuit.
At last, he arrived his grand aunt's place after a long and rough traveling.
He said his own story to his aunt and her friend Mr. Dick, whom his aunt takes care of.
And she sent a letter to his stepfather Mr. Murdstone to ask him come over, and his reply said he was coming tomorrow.
Now Mr. Murdstone with his sister Miss Jane Murdstone came to his aunt's.

..........................................
Miss Betsey pursued her discourse.
"It was clear enough, as I have told you, years before you ever saw her?and why, in the mysterious dispensations of Providence, you ever did see her, is more than humanity can comprehend?it was clear enough that the poor soft little thing would marry somebody, at some time or other, but I did hope it wouldn't have been as bad as it has turned out. That was the time, Mr. Murdstone, when she gave birth to her boy," said my aunt "to the poor child you sometimes tormented her through afterwards, which is a disagreeable remembrance, and makes the sight of him odious now. Aye, aye! you needn't wince!" said my aunt. "I know it's true without that."

[David Copperfield by Charles Dickens]

1. Here "ever" is used in adverbial clause, not negative sentences and questions.
So I was wondering what "ever" means in "years before you ever saw her."
2. Here "ever" is used in complete clause, not negative sentences and questions.
And I was wondering what "ever" means in "years before you ever saw her."
3. I'd like to know if a subject of "it" is "why."
If so, I was wondering why there isn't a definite article before "why."
Thank you in advance for your help.