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A Maid and a Million Men
A Maid and a Million Men

Chapter XII

Chapter 12 of A Maid and a Million Men is here in full — 239 sentences across 48 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/47 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE 1 For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.
It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.
I hoped Lisa told him the truthif she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.
I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this tripmuch as I wanted to see the Captainbecause I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.
If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Maid and a Million Men

Chapter XII

Chapter 12 of A Maid and a Million Men is here in full — 239 sentences across 48 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/47 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE1For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.
Line 2
It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.
/ɪt wɑːz ə ʃeɪm fɔːr ðem tuː hæv hɑːrd ˈfiːlɪŋz dʒʌst bɪˈkɔːz aɪ ˈhæpənd tuː stɑːp ɪn tuː siː maɪ oʊld nɜːrs/
Line 3
I hoped Lisa told him the truthif she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.
Line 4
I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this tripmuch as I wanted to see the Captainbecause I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.
Line 5
If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

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.

buzzard noun US /ˈbʌzərd/

a New World vulture that is common in South America and Central America and the southern United States

From this reading “If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.”

display noun US /dɪˈspleɪ/

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading “If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.”

hoping verb US /ˈhoʊpɪŋ/

-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading “I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.”

Leon noun US /ˈliːɑːn/

a historical area and former kingdom in northwestern Spain

From this reading “I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.”

Mans noun US /mænz/

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

From this reading “I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.”

Pierre noun US /piˈer/

capital of the state of South Dakota; located in central South Dakota on the Missouri river

From this reading “If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.”

proving verb US /ˈpruːvɪŋ/

-ing form of “prove” — be shown or be found to be

From this reading “If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.”

vulgar adjective US /ˈvʌlɡər/

lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

From this reading “If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.”

Word partnerships in these lines

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

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

several days adjective + noun

In this reading “MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.”

jealous husband adjective + noun

In this reading “MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.”

find out verb + adjective

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

In this reading “I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.”

regular soldier adjective + noun

In this reading “If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.”

other way adjective + noun

In this reading “If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.”

All words in this reading · 116

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.

1

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

buzzardnounUS /ˈbʌzərd/

a New World vulture that is common in South America and Central America and the southern United States

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

CaptainnounUS /ˈkæptən/

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

changeverbUS /tʃeɪndʒ/

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

couldn't

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

difficultadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfəkəlt/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

FROMprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

gamenounUS /ɡeɪm/

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

GAYadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

GeneraladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

goverbUS /ɡoʊ/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

hadn't

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

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

he'd

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

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

hearverbUS /hiːr/

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

hopedverbUS /hoʊpt/

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

hopingverbUS /ˈhoʊpɪŋ/

-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

husbandnounUS /ˈhʌzbənd/

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

jealousadjectiveUS /ˈdʒeləs/

showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

keepverbUS /kiːp/

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

LenounUS /lə/

a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

LeonnounUS /ˈliːɑːn/

a historical area and former kingdom in northwestern Spain

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

Lisa

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

MADEMOISELLEnounUS /ˌmædəməˈzel/

small silvery drumfish often mistaken for white perch; found along coasts of United States from New York to Mexico

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

MansnounUS /mænz/

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

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

nurseverbUS /nɜːrs/

try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

PAREE

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

peacenounUS /piːs/

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

PierrenounUS /piˈer/

capital of the state of South Dakota; located in central South Dakota on the Missouri river

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

plansnounUS /plænz/

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

playingnounUS /ˈpleɪɪŋ/

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

pooradjectiveUS /puːr/

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

provingverbUS /ˈpruːvɪŋ/

-ing form of “prove” — be shown or be found to be

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

regularadjectiveUS /ˈreɡjələr/

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

seemverbUS /siːm/

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

shamenounUS /ʃeɪm/

a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

shouldn't

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

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

soldiernounUS /ˈsoʊldʒər/

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

stopverbUS /stɑːp/

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

thinkingnounUS /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

toldverbUS /toʊld/

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

tripnounUS /trɪp/

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

truthnounUS /truːθ/

a fact that has been verified

From this reading I hoped Lisa told him the truth—if she hadn’t before I got to Le Mans again, he’d hear it from me.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

vulgaradjectiveUS /ˈvʌlɡər/

lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

wantedadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːntɪd/

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was a shame for them to have hard feelings, just because I happened to stop in to see my old nurse.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I was hoping that the General might change his plans and go to Le Mans this trip—much as I wanted to see the Captain—because I had to see Leon soon and find out what kind of a game he thought he was playing.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

wonderingadjectiveUS /ˈwʌndərɪŋ/

showing curiosity

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading If he had left Le Mans, there would be no other way of proving to Pierre that I was not a regular soldier except by, well, some kind of a vulgar display: if Leon was still there when I got there, then it shouldn’t be very difficult to make the old buzzard believe our story.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading MADEMOISELLE FROM GAY PAREE —1— For several days I couldn’t seem to keep from thinking about poor old Lisa and her jealous husband and wondering whether or not they had made peace yet.

Chapter 12 of A Maid and a Million Men by James G. (James Gerald) Dunton holds 239 sentences, grouped into 48 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 12 of A Maid and a Million Men contain?

Chapter 12 holds 239 sentences of A Maid and a Million Men, unabridged, divided into 48 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of A Maid and a Million Men by James G. (James Gerald) Dunton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 239 sentences, grouped into 48 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 12 of A Maid and a Million Men?

Work through the 48 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 48 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 12 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 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 Maid and a Million Men

Common questions about reading A Maid and a Million Men by James G. (James Gerald) Dunton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Maid and a Million Men?

Yes. All 5901 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #45351 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Maid and a Million Men is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #45351, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Maid and a Million Men take to read?

About 491 minutes of reading across 1181 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A Maid and a Million Men section by section

How to work through A Maid and a Million Men section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 20 chapters of A Maid and a Million Men 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 Maid and a Million Men

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Maid and a Million Men, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Maiden
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Maid and a Million Men; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Prayer
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Maid and a Million Men; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Party
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Maid and a Million Men; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Heaven
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Maid and a Million Men; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.