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A Rogue's Life
A Rogue's Life

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of A Rogue's Life is here in full — 112 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
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I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.
Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.
Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.
When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.
What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Rogue's Life

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of A Rogue's Life is here in full — 112 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.
Line 2
Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.
/hæd aɪ bɪn ɪn fʊl pəˈzeʃən ʌv maɪ ˈsensɪz aɪ maɪt hæv ˈkwestʃənd ɑːn rɪˈflekʃən ˈweðər ðə ˈdɑːktərz ˈmeθəd ʌv əˈkaʊntɪŋ fɔːr ðə səˈspɪʃənz wɪtʃ kept hɪz ˈneɪbərz əˈluːf frʌm hɪm wɑːz kwaɪt ˌsætəˈsfæktri/
Line 3
Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.
/lʌv ɪz ˈdʒenərəli dɪˈskraɪbd aɪ bɪˈliːv æz ðə ˈtendər ˈpæʃən/
Line 4
When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.
Line 5
What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

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.

accounting noun US /əˈkaʊntɪŋ/

a convincing explanation that reveals basic causes

From this reading “Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.”

arguing noun US /ˈɑːrɡjuːɪŋ/

a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement

From this reading “I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.”

definition noun US /ˌdefəˈnɪʃən/

a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

From this reading “When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.”

distrusted verb US /dɪˈstrʌstəd/

past form of “distrust” — regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in

From this reading “I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.”

perceptions noun US /pərˈsepʃənz/

plural of “perception” — the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept

From this reading “I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.”

relaxing adjective US /rɪˈlæksɪŋ/

affording physical or mental rest

From this reading “When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.”

respectability noun US /riˌspektəˈbɪlɪti/

honorableness by virtue of being respectable and having a good reputation

From this reading “I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.”

Treasurer noun US /ˈtreʒərər/

an officer charged with receiving and disbursing funds

From this reading “I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.”

All words in this reading · 99

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 When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

accountingnounUS /əˈkaʊntɪŋ/

a convincing explanation that reveals basic causes

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

admirationnounUS /ˌædmərˈeɪʃən/

a feeling of delighted approval and liking

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

Alicia

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

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

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 When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

aloofadjectiveUS /əˈluːf/

remote in manner

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

alterverbUS /ˈɔːltər/

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

arguingnounUS /ˈɑːrɡjuːɪŋ/

a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.

blindedadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪndɪd/

deprived of sight

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

callverbUS /kɔːl/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

cannot

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

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

changeverbUS /tʃeɪndʒ/

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

CommitteenounUS /kəˈmɪti/

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

confidentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnfədəntli/

with confidence; in a confident manner

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

DnounUS /diː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

definitionnounUS /ˌdefəˈnɪʃən/

a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

describedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskraɪbd/

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.

distrustedverbUS /dɪˈstrʌstəd/

past form of “distrust” — regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

DoctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

doctor'snounUS /ˈdɑːktərz/

possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

Dulcifer's

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

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

Duskydale

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

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

effectnounUS /ɪˈfekt/

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

enthusiasticadjectiveUS /ɪnˌθuːziˈæstɪk/

having or showing great excitement and interest

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

facultiesnounUS /ˈfækəltiz/

plural of “faculty” — one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

feelverbUS /fiːl/

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

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

generallyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəli/

usually; as a rule

From this reading Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.

HADauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

imagineverbUS /ˌɪˈmædʒən/

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

inclinedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈklaɪnd/

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

insidiouslyadverb

in a harmfully insidious manner

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

InstitutionnounUS /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən/

an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

keptadjectiveUS /kept/

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

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 I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

LovenounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.

ManagingverbUS /ˈmænədʒɪŋ/

-ing form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

methodnounUS /ˈmeθəd/

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

moraladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrəl/

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

neighborsnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

opinionnounUS /əˈpɪnjən/

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

passionnounUS /ˈpæʃən/

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.

perceptionsnounUS /pərˈsepʃənz/

plural of “perception” — the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

popularadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələr/

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

possessionnounUS /pəˈzeʃən/

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

questionedverbUS /ˈkwestʃənd/

past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

reflectionnounUS /rɪˈflekʃən/

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

relaxingadjectiveUS /rɪˈlæksɪŋ/

affording physical or mental rest

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

respectabilitynounUS /riˌspektəˈbɪlɪti/

honorableness by virtue of being respectable and having a good reputation

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

satisfactoryadjectiveUS /ˌsætəˈsfæktri/

giving satisfaction

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/

in secrecy; not openly

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

sensesnounUS /ˈsensɪz/

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

spokenadjectiveUS /ˈspoʊkən/

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

suspicionsnounUS /səˈspɪʃənz/

plural of “suspicion” — an impression that something might be the case

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

tenderadjectiveUS /ˈtendər/

given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading Love is generally described, I believe, as the tender passion.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

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

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

TreasurernounUS /ˈtreʒərər/

an officer charged with receiving and disbursing funds

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

uskydale

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

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

vapor-bath

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

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What the Managing Committee of the Duskydale Institution thought of the change in me, I cannot imagine.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When I remember the insidiously relaxing effect of it on all my faculties, I feel inclined to alter the popular definition, and to call it a moral vapor-bath.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Had I been in full possession of my senses, I might have questioned, on reflection, whether the doctor’s method of accounting for the suspicions which kept his neighbors aloof from him, was quite satisfactory.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I HAD spoken confidently enough, while arguing the question of Doctor Dulcifer’s respectability with the Treasurer of the D uskydale Institution; but, if my perceptions had not been blinded by my enthusiastic admiration for Alicia, I think I should have secretly distrusted my own opinion as soon as I was left by myself.

Chapter 7 of A Rogue's Life by Wilkie Collins holds 112 sentences, grouped into 23 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 7 of A Rogue's Life contain?

Chapter 7 holds 112 sentences of A Rogue's Life, unabridged, divided into 23 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 7 of A Rogue's Life by Wilkie Collins exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 112 sentences, grouped into 23 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 7 of A Rogue's Life?

Work through the 23 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 23 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 7 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 7 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 Rogue's Life

Common questions about reading A Rogue's Life by Wilkie Collins on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Rogue's Life?

Yes. All 2291 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #1588 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Rogue's Life is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #1588, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Rogue's Life take to read?

About 190 minutes of reading across 459 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in A Rogue's Life

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Rogue's Life, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Going
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Rogue's Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Write
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Rogue's Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Something
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Rogue's Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Myself
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Rogue's Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.