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A Cardinal Sin
A Cardinal Sin

Chapter X

Cover illustration for A Cardinal Sin
Context Illustration Reading 1/28 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.
Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.
Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.
At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.
"What do you want?" she asked roughly.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Cardinal Sin

Chapter X

Reading 1/28 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.
Line 2
Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.
Line 3
Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.
Line 4
At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.
Line 5
"What do you want?" she asked roughly.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"What do you want?" she asked roughly.”

Cruel adjective US /ˈkruːəl/

causing pain or showing no kindness

From this reading “Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.”

Mutilated adjective US /ˈmjuːtəleɪtɪd/

badly damaged or missing part of the body

From this reading “Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.”

Resumed noun US /ˈresumed/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.”

Standing noun US /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.”

Thin adjective US /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading “Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.”

All words in this reading · 103

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

abundant

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

anxiety

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

arm

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "What do you want?" she asked roughly.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

bedside

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

cheeks

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

clutched

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

containing

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

contracted

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

convulsively

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

corner

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/

causing pain or showing no kindness

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

deathly

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

debris

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "What do you want?" she asked roughly.

doorway

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

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

drops

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

endeavoring

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

envelope

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

expression

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

eyes

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

features

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

few

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

force

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

girl

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

godmother

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

grief

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

habitual

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

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

hand

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

harsh

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

harshness

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

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

head

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

Kneeling

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

Lacombe

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

lay

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

letter

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

lips

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

listlessly

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

livid

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

Louis

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

Lying

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

man's

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

marble

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

Mariette

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

Mariette's

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

mattress

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

met

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

Mme

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

moment

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

moroseness

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

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

mutilatedadjectiveUS /ˈmjuːtəleɪtɪd/

badly damaged or missing part of the body

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

occupied

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

other

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

painfully

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

pallor

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

paused

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

picture

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

resumednounUS /ˈresumed/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

room

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

roughly

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

From this reading "What do you want?" she asked roughly.

sad

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

sarcastic

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

seemingly

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

side

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

sight

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

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

softened

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

stained

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

standingnounUS /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

stranger

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

From this reading At the sight of a stranger standing in the doorway, however, her features resumed the habitual expression of harshness and moroseness.

supporting

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

tears

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

threshold

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

touching

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

traces

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

unconscious

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

want

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

From this reading "What do you want?" she asked roughly.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

water

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

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "What do you want?" she asked roughly.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Lying on a thin mattress in a corner of the room was the young girl, seemingly unconscious; her features were of a deathly pallor and painfully contracted, and traces of abundant tears stained her marble cheeks; one hand lay listlessly at her side, while in the other she convulsively clutched the envelope containing the debris of Louis' letter.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Kneeling by the bedside, her harsh, sarcastic features softened by an expression of touching grief and cruel anxiety, Mme. Lacombe was supporting Mariette's head with her mutilated arm, while with the other hand she was endeavoring to force a few drops of water through the livid lips.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "What do you want?" she asked roughly.

young

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

From this reading A sad picture met the young man's eyes, as he paused for a moment on the threshold of the room occupied by Mariette and her godmother.