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A Fool in Spots
A Fool in Spots

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of A Fool in Spots is here in full — 80 sentences across 16 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for A Fool in Spots
Context Illustration Reading 1/16 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
IN THE SOCIAL REALM.
Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.
Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.
Music filled the vast dance-hall.
High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.
0:00 / 0:00
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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 Fool in Spots

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of A Fool in Spots is here in full — 80 sentences across 16 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/16 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
IN THE SOCIAL REALM.
/ɪn ðə ˈsoʊʃəl relm/
Line 2
Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.
Line 3
Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.
Line 4
Music filled the vast dance-hall.
Line 5
High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.
/haɪ ʌp ɪn ðə ˈɡæləriz mjuːˈzɪʃənz wɜːr ˈsteɪʃənd huː tɔɪld əˈweɪ æt ðer ˈɪnstrəmənts ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ enˈlaɪvənɪŋ streɪnz ʌv ˈwɔːltsəz ɔːr ˈpoʊlkɑːz fɔːr ðə ˈdænsərz/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

dancers noun US /ˈdænsərz/

plural of “dancer” — a performer who dances professionally

From this reading “High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.”

encased adjective US /enˈkeɪst/

covered or protected with or as if with a case

From this reading “Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.”

enlivening adjective US /enˈlaɪvənɪŋ/

giving spirit and vivacity

From this reading “High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.”

furnishing noun US /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/

(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel

From this reading “High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.”

galleries noun US /ˈɡæləriz/

plural of “gallery” — spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading “High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.”

polkas noun US /ˈpoʊlkɑːz/

plural of “polka” — music performed for dancing the polka

From this reading “High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.”

waltzes noun US /ˈwɔːltsəz/

plural of “waltz” — an assured victory (especially in an election)

From this reading “High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.”

wraps noun US /ræps/

plural of “wrap” — cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person

From this reading “Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

stood watching verb + noun

In this reading “Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.”

several blocks adjective + noun counted as “several block”

In this reading “Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.”

enveloped in verb + particle counted as “envelop in”

In this reading “Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.”

at the entrance preposition + article + noun counted as “at … entrance”

In this reading “Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.”

entered the building verb + article + noun counted as “enter … building”

In this reading “Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.”

stop at verb + particle

In this reading “Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.”

in the galleries preposition + article + noun counted as “in … gallery”

In this reading “High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.”

by the police preposition + article + noun counted as “by … police”

In this reading “Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.”

All words in this reading · 83

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

alighted

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

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

ballnounUS /bɔːl/

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

BeneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

blocksnounUS /blɑːks/

plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

bootsnounUS /buːts/

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

briefadjectiveUS /briːf/

of short duration or distance

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

buildingnounUS /ˈbɪldɪŋ/

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

carriagenounUS /ˈkærɪdʒ/

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

CarriagesnounUS /ˈkærɪdʒɪz/

plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

caughtverbUS /kɑːt/

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

coatsnounUS /koʊts/

plural of “coat” — an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

coldadjectiveUS /koʊld/

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

dance-hall

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

From this reading Music filled the vast dance-hall.

dancersnounUS /ˈdænsərz/

plural of “dancer” — a performer who dances professionally

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

doubleverbUS /ˈdʌbəl/

increase twofold

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

encasedadjectiveUS /enˈkeɪst/

covered or protected with or as if with a case

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

enliveningadjectiveUS /enˈlaɪvənɪŋ/

giving spirit and vivacity

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

enteredverbUS /ˈentərd/

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

entrancenounUS /ˈentrəns/

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

envelopedverbUS /enˈveləpt/

past form of “envelop” — enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

etc

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

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

fashionnounUS /ˈfæʃən/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

feetnounUS /fiːt/

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

filledadjectiveUS /fɪld/

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading Music filled the vast dance-hall.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

formedadjectiveUS /fɔːrmd/

having or given a form or shape

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

fur-lined

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

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

furnishingnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/

(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

galleriesnounUS /ˈɡæləriz/

plural of “gallery” — spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

guestsnounUS /ɡests/

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

heavyadjectiveUS /ˈhevi/

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

HighadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading IN THE SOCIAL REALM.

instrumentsnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənts/

plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

linedadjectiveUS /laɪnd/

bordered by a line of things

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

MusicnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪk/

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading Music filled the vast dance-hall.

musiciansnounUS /mjuːˈzɪʃənz/

plural of “musician” — someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

nightnounUS /naɪt/

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

operanounUS /ˈɑːprə/

a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

pavementnounUS /ˈpeɪvmənt/

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

policenounUS /pəˈliːs/

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

polkasnounUS /ˈpoʊlkɑːz/

plural of “polka” — music performed for dancing the polka

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

ranksnounUS /ræŋks/

plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

REALMnounUS /relm/

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading IN THE SOCIAL REALM.

sealskins

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

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

SOCIALadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊʃəl/

relating to human society and its members

From this reading IN THE SOCIAL REALM.

stationedverbUS /ˈsteɪʃənd/

past form of “station” — assign to a station

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

stopverbUS /stɑːp/

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

strainsnounUS /streɪnz/

plural of “strain” — (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

streetnounUS /striːt/

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading IN THE SOCIAL REALM.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

toiledverbUS /tɔɪld/

past form of “toil” — work hard

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

vastadjectiveUS /væst/

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Music filled the vast dance-hall.

visibleadjectiveUS /ˈvɪzəbəl/

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

waltzesnounUS /ˈwɔːltsəz/

plural of “waltz” — an assured victory (especially in an election)

From this reading High up in the galleries musicians were stationed, who toiled away at their instruments, furnishing enlivening strains of waltzes or polkas for the dancers.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

watchingnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃɪŋ/

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.

womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

wrapsnounUS /ræps/

plural of “wrap” — cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person

From this reading Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold.

Chapter 4 of A Fool in Spots by Hallie Erminie Rives holds 80 sentences, grouped into 16 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 4 of A Fool in Spots contain?

Chapter 4 holds 80 sentences of A Fool in Spots, unabridged, divided into 16 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of A Fool in Spots by Hallie Erminie Rives exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 80 sentences, grouped into 16 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 4 of A Fool in Spots?

Work through the 16 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 16 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading A Fool in Spots

Common questions about reading A Fool in Spots by Hallie Erminie Rives on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Fool in Spots?

Yes. All 2655 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #65018 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Fool in Spots is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #65018, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Fool in Spots take to read?

About 221 minutes of reading across 531 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A Fool in Spots section by section

How to work through A Fool in Spots section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 32 chapters of A Fool in Spots to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in A Fool in Spots

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Fool in Spots, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Https
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Fool in Spots; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Illustrated
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Fool in Spots; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Entered
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Fool in Spots; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
According
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Fool in Spots; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.