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A Crooked Path: A Novel
A Crooked Path: A Novel

Chapter XXVIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/56 · 5 lines
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KATHERINE IN OFFICE.
The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.
A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.
Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.
Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Crooked Path: A Novel

Chapter XXVIII

Reading 1/56 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
KATHERINE IN OFFICE.
Line 2
The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.
Line 3
A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.
Line 4
Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.
Line 5
Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.”

Although noun US /ˈalthough/

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

From this reading “Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.”

Beginning noun US /ˈbeginning/

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

From this reading “The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.”

Complete noun US /complete/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.”

Herself pronoun US /hərˈself/

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

From this reading “Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.”

Ought modal verb US /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.”

Pleasant noun US /pleasant/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.”

Wounded noun US /wounded/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.”

All words in this reading · 94

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 The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

agreeable

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

AlthoughnounUS /ˈalthough/

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

always

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

befallen

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

betrayed

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

change

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

choice

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

completenounUS /complete/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

conduct

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

congenial

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

considered

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

consists

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

contrast

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

degree

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

described

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

easily

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

exercise

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

felt

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

finding

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

fortnight

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

fortunate

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

freedom

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

home

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

human

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading KATHERINE IN OFFICE.

instead

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

interview

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

just

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

justly

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

KATHERINE

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

From this reading KATHERINE IN OFFICE.

kindly

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

knew

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

lately

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

less

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

matters

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

more

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

most

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

Mrs

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

Needham

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

new

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

newness

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

occupations

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

OFFICE

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

From this reading KATHERINE IN OFFICE.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

Ormonde's

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

particularly

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

patroness

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

perhaps

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

place

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

pleasantnounUS /pleasant/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

poverty

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

rarely

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

rather

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

riches

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

selfish

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

service

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

settled

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

shallow

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

sister-in-law

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

thoroughly

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

too

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

trying

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

unfettered

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

why

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

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

wounded

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

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.