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A frontier knight
A frontier knight

Chapter XIV

Cover illustration for A frontier knight
Context Illustration Reading 1/44 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.
The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.
At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.
Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.
During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.
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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 frontier knight

Chapter XIV

Reading 1/44 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.
Line 2
The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.
Line 3
At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.
Line 4
Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.
Line 5
During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

Learner Dictionary

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

Although noun US /ˈalthough/

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

From this reading “WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.”

Entirely noun US /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading “The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.”

John noun US /john/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.”

None pronoun US /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading “The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.”

All words in this reading · 129

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 WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

abated

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

age

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

Alison

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

Alison's

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

all

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

ardor

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

arrival

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

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

bachelors

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

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

BLYTHE

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

cabin

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

call

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

charged

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

Christine

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

comrade

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

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

confess

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

considered

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

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

constantly

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

contradiction

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

country

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

court

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

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

day

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

desirable

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

direction

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

duly

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

dutiful

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

eighteen

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

enforced

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

errand

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

escort

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

established

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

fact

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

fifteen

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

finally

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

find

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

forth

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

girl

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

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

girls

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

hearing

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

home

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

human

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

intention

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From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

John

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From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

Jordan

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From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

LATE

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From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

less

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

man

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From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

marriageable

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From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

marry

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From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

mere

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From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

mother

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

Neal

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From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

neighborhood

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From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

now

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From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

often

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From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

old

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From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

paid

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From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

Pedro's

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

period

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

pleasure

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

praises

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

repudiated

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From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

roof

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

Ross

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From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

Rosses

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

sisters

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

somewhat

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From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

southern

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From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

spirit

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

started

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

stay

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

summer

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

sung

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From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

too

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

treated

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

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

twenty-five

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From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

twenty-one

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

very

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

weary

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

WHY

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

wished

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

wives

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

young

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

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.