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A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)
A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)

Chapter V

Chapter 5 of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) is here in full — 151 sentences across 31 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon • Curated US English Learning Edition
Cover illustration for A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)
Context Illustration Reading 1/30 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’
MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.
Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.
He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.
His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)

Chapter V

Chapter 5 of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) is here in full — 151 sentences across 31 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/30 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’
/ˈʃʊrli moʊst ˈbɪtər ʌv ɔːl swiːt θɪŋz ðaʊ ɑːrt/
Line 2
MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.
Line 3
Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.
Line 4
He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.
Line 5
His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.
/hɪz ˈkloʊsər ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən ʌv ðæt feɪs ʃoʊd hɪm noʊ ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃən ʌv ˈlɜːrkɪŋ ˈiːvəl/

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.

Bridget noun US /ˈbrɪdʒət/

Irish abbess; a patron saint of Ireland (453-523)

From this reading “MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
consistent adjective US /kənˈsɪstənt/

(sometimes followed by “with”) in agreement or consistent or reliable

From this reading “He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
exacting adjective US /ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ/

having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures

From this reading “He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
farmer's noun US /ˈfɑːrmərz/

possessive form of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
indication noun US /ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃən/

something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading “His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
keenly adverb US /ˈkiːnli/

in a keen or penetrating way

From this reading “MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
lurking verb US /ˈlɜːrkɪŋ/

-ing form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading “His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
scrutinized verb US /ˈskruːtənaɪzd/

past form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail

From this reading “MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1

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.

upon the subject preposition + article + noun counted as “upon … subject”

In this reading “Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.”

4,633 times in 426,211 chapters
MOST BITTER adverb + adjective

In this reading “‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’”

724 times in 426,211 chapters
at supper preposition + noun

In this reading “MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.”

3,741 times in 426,211 chapters

All words in this reading · 80

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 He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
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 ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
ARTauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
BITTERadjectiveUS /ˈbɪtər/

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
BridgetnounUS /ˈbrɪdʒət/

Irish abbess; a patron saint of Ireland (453-523)

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
CLISSOLD

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

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

Pending verification
closeradverbUS /ˈkloʊsər/

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
consistentadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪstənt/

(sometimes followed by “with”) in agreement or consistent or reliable

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
crimenounUS /kraɪm/

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
crueltynounUS /ˈkruːlti/

a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
doubtsnounUS /daʊts/

plural of “doubt” — the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Elspeth

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Pending verification
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
evilnounUS /ˈiːvəl/

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
exactingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ/

having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
examinationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/

the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
facenounUS /feɪs/

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

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
farmer'snounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/

possessive form of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
horrornounUS /ˈhɔːrər/

intense and profound fear

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
hostess's

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

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

Pending verification
how

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Pending verification
indicationnounUS /ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃən/

something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
inspiredadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪərd/

being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/

in a keen or penetrating way

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
lurkingverbUS /ˈlɜːrkɪŋ/

-ing form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MAURICE

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

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

Pending verification
mentionverbUS /ˈmenʃən/

make reference to

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
mistressnounUS /ˈmɪstrəs/

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MOSTadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Muriel's

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

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

Pending verification
nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
rememberedverbUS /rɪˈmembərd/

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
reputationnounUS /ˌrepjəˈteɪʃən/

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
satnounUS /sæt/

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
scrutinizedverbUS /ˈskruːtənaɪzd/

past form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading His closer examination of that face showed him no indication of lurking evil.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
suppernounUS /ˈsʌpər/

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
SURELYadverbUS /ˈʃʊrli/

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
SWEETadjectiveUS /swiːt/

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
THINGSnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
THOUpronounUS /ðaʊ/

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

From this reading ‘SURELY, MOST BITTER OF ALL SWEET THINGS THOU ART.’

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
toldverbUS /toʊld/

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Trevanard

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Pending verification
Trevanard's

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

From this reading MAURICE CLISSOLD keenly scrutinized Bridget Trevanard’s face as they sat at supper that evening.

Pending verification
unpleasantadjectiveUS /ənˈplezənt/

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Muriel’s look of horror at the mention of her mother’s name had inspired unpleasant doubts upon the subject of his hostess’s character.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
wifenounUS /waɪf/

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
wonnounUS /wʌn/

the basic unit of money in South Korea

From this reading He remembered how Elspeth had told him that Mrs. Trevanard was known as a hard woman; and he told himself that cruelty, or even crime, might be consistent with that hard nature which had won for the farmer’s wife the reputation of a stern and exacting mistress.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1

Chapter 5 of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) by M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon holds 151 sentences, grouped into 31 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 5 of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) contain?

Chapter 5 holds 151 sentences of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3), unabridged, divided into 31 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 5 of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) by M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 151 sentences, grouped into 31 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 5 of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)?

Work through the 31 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 31 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 5 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 5 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 Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)

Common questions about reading A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) by M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)?

Yes. All 2878 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #58929 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #58929, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) take to read?

About 239 minutes of reading across 576 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) section by section

How to work through A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 20 chapters of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3) 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 Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3), each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Farewell
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Quoth
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Again
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
To-morrow
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Strange World: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.