Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
A Heart-Song of To-day
A Heart-Song of To-day

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of A Heart-Song of To-day is here in full — 92 sentences across 19 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for A Heart-Song of To-day
Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SLAIN BY A WOMAN.
Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.
"Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."
"So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."
"I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
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 Heart-Song of To-day

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of A Heart-Song of To-day is here in full — 92 sentences across 19 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SLAIN BY A WOMAN.
/sleɪn baɪ ə ˈwʊmən/
Line 2
Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.
Line 3
"Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."
Line 4
"So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."
Line 5
"I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

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.

associations noun US /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “association” — a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading “"Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."”

conquests noun US /ˈkɑːnkwests/

plural of “conquest” — the act of conquering

From this reading “"I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."”

cushion noun US /ˈkʊʃən/

a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses

From this reading “Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.”

Gaul noun US /ɡɔːl/

a person of French descent

From this reading “"So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."”

lounge verb US /laʊndʒ/

sit or recline comfortably

From this reading “Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.”

stimulant noun US /ˈstɪmjələnt/

any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action

From this reading “"So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."”

triumphs noun US /ˈtraɪəmfs/

plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading “"I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."”

versatile adjective US /ˈvɜːrsətəl/

having great diversity or variety

From this reading “"So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."”

All words in this reading · 115

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 SLAIN BY A WOMAN.

accustomedadjectiveUS /əˈkʌstəmd/

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

actingnounUS /ˈæktɪŋ/

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

associationsnounUS /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “association” — a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

BYprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading SLAIN BY A WOMAN.

carriagenounUS /ˈkærɪdʒ/

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

charmingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɑːrmɪŋ/

pleasing or delighting

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

cheerfulnessnounUS /ˈtʃɪrfəlnəs/

the quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

cloudverbUS /klaʊd/

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

comfortableadjectiveUS /ˈkʌmfərtəbəl/

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

conquestsnounUS /ˈkɑːnkwests/

plural of “conquest” — the act of conquering

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

crossedadjectiveUS /krɔːst/

placed crosswise

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

cushionnounUS /ˈkʊʃən/

a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

dearadjectiveUS /dɪr/

dearly loved

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

delightfuladjectiveUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəl/

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

dulladjectiveUS /dʌl/

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

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

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

envynounUS /ˈenvi/

a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

Esmondet

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

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

facenounUS /feɪs/

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

FarewellnounUS /ˌferˈwel/

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

fearverbUS /fɪr/

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

feelverbUS /fiːl/

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

flyingadjectiveUS /ˈflaɪɪŋ/

moving swiftly

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

footstoolnoun

a low seat or a stool to rest the feet of a seated person

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

FrenchnounUS /frentʃ/

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

friendsnounUS /frendz/

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

gaietynoun

a gay feeling

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

GaulnounUS /ɡɔːl/

a person of French descent

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

gayadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

LadynounUS /ˈleɪdi/

a polite name for any woman

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

Lionel

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

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

liveverbUS /laɪv/

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

livingnounUS /ˈlɪvɪŋ/

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

loungeverbUS /laʊndʒ/

sit or recline comfortably

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

lovedadjectiveUS /lʌvd/

held dear

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

mannernounUS /ˈmænər/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

momentsnounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

OurdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

ParisnounUS /ˈperɪs/

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

pleasingadjectiveUS /ˈpliːzɪŋ/

giving pleasure and satisfaction

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/

new

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

SLAINnounUS /sleɪn/

people who have been slain (as in battle)

From this reading SLAIN BY A WOMAN.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

stimulantnounUS /ˈstɪmjələnt/

any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

sunbeams

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

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

tenderlyadverbUS /ˈtendərli/

with tenderness; in a tender manner

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

theepronounUS /ðiː/

an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

to-day

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

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

travellersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other as comfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life.

triflesnounUS /ˈtraɪfəlz/

plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

triumphsnounUS /ˈtraɪəmfs/

plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

Vaura

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

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

veriest

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

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

versatileadjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrsətəl/

having great diversity or variety

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

WOMANnounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading SLAIN BY A WOMAN.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading "Farewell, once more, charming Paris," said Lady Esmondet, "was there no England with its loved associations and many friends, then would I live my life in thee."

yesnounUS /jes/

an affirmative

From this reading "So should I," said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting on one as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasing manner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaul for."

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I fear," said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you will feel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud had crossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not."

Chapter 21 of A Heart-Song of To-day by Annie G. (Annie Gregg), -1901 Savigny holds 92 sentences, grouped into 19 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 21 of A Heart-Song of To-day contain?

Chapter 21 holds 92 sentences of A Heart-Song of To-day, unabridged, divided into 19 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 21 of A Heart-Song of To-day by Annie G. (Annie Gregg), -1901 Savigny exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 92 sentences, grouped into 19 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 21 of A Heart-Song of To-day?

Work through the 19 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 19 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 21 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 21 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 Heart-Song of To-day

Common questions about reading A Heart-Song of To-day by Annie G. (Annie Gregg), -1901 Savigny on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Heart-Song of To-day?

Yes. All 4242 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #7184 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Heart-Song of To-day is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #7184, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Heart-Song of To-day take to read?

About 353 minutes of reading across 849 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A Heart-Song of To-day section by section

How to work through A Heart-Song of To-day section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of A Heart-Song of To-day 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 Heart-Song of To-day

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Heart-Song of To-day, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Pretty
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Heart-Song of To-day; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Woman
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Heart-Song of To-day; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hires
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Heart-Song of To-day; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Gardener
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Heart-Song of To-day; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.