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A Tale of Red Pekin
A Tale of Red Pekin

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of A Tale of Red Pekin is here in full — 57 sentences across 12 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for A Tale of Red Pekin
Context Illustration Reading 1/11 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
CECILIA CONTINUES HER STORY.
So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.
It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.
How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.
I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.
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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 Tale of Red Pekin

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of A Tale of Red Pekin is here in full — 57 sentences across 12 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/11 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
CECILIA CONTINUES HER STORY.
Line 2
So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.
/soʊ ˈmeni ˈdredfəl θɪŋz hæv ˈhæpənd sɪns læst aɪ toʊld maɪ ˈstɔːri ðæt ɪf aɪ hæd nɑːt ˈprɑːməst ˈniːnə aɪ duː nɑːt θɪŋk aɪ kʊd hæv ˈrɪtən ˈeni mɔːr bʌt sɪns ðə ˈtrʌbəlz bɪˈɡæn ɪn ˈtʃaɪnə ˈniːnə ənd aɪ əˈɡriːd tuː raɪt ə ˈlɪtəl ˈhɪstəri ʌv wʌt ɪz ˈhæpənɪŋ ˈevəri deɪ ənd ˈæftərwərdz wiː ʃæl kəmˈper noʊts ənd ðen æz ˈmʌðər sez ɪt wɪl ˈɪntrəst ˈaʊər frendz æt hoʊm ənd pərˈhæps sʌm ʌv ðə ˈmɪʃəneri ˈpeɪpərz meɪ laɪk ðə əˈkaʊnt fɔːr ðer ˈmæɡəziːnz/
Line 3
It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.
Line 4
How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.
Line 5
I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.
/aɪ rɪˈmɛm.bər ðə deɪ ʌv wɪtʃ aɪ æm ˈspiːkɪŋ soʊ wel ɪt bɪˈɡæn soʊ ˈbraɪtli sʌtʃ ə ˈlʌvli ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

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.

brightly adverb US /ˈbraɪtli/

with brightness

From this reading “I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.”

China noun US /ˈtʃaɪnə/

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

compare verb US /kəmˈper/

examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

continues verb US /kənˈtɪnjuːz/

third-person singular of “continue” — continue a certain state, condition, or activity

From this reading “CECILIA CONTINUES HER STORY.”

happening noun US /ˈhæpənɪŋ/

an event that happens

From this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

magazines noun US /ˈmæɡəziːnz/

plural of “magazine” — a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it

From this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

Missionary noun US /ˈmɪʃəneri/

someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program

From this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

Nina noun US /ˈniːnə/

the Babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of Ea

From this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

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.

few weeks adjective + noun counted as “few week”

In this reading “It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.”

compare notes verb + noun counted as “compare note”

In this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

bring forth verb + particle

bring into existence

In this reading “How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.”

dreadful things adjective + noun

In this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

at home preposition + noun

a reception held in your own home

In this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

put down verb + adjective

cause to sit or seat or be in a settled position or place

In this reading “It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.”

happened since verb + particle counted as “happen since”

In this reading “So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.”

All words in this reading · 103

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 So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

afterwardsadverbUS /ˈæftərwərdz/

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

agoadverbUS /əˈɡoʊ/

in the past

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

agreedadjectiveUS /əˈɡriːd/

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

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 It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

brightlyadverbUS /ˈbraɪtli/

with brightness

From this reading I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

bringverbUS /brɪŋ/

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

CECILIA

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

From this reading CECILIA CONTINUES HER STORY.

Cheng-si

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

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

ChinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

compareverbUS /kəmˈper/

examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

CONTINUESverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːz/

third-person singular of “continue” — continue a certain state, condition, or activity

From this reading CECILIA CONTINUES HER STORY.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

dreadfuladjectiveUS /ˈdredfəl/

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.

friendsnounUS /frendz/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

happeningnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋ/

an event that happens

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

HERdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading CECILIA CONTINUES HER STORY.

historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/

the aggregate of past events

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

homenounUS /hoʊm/

where you live at a particular time

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

hournounUS /ˈaʊər/

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.

How

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

From this reading How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

lovelyadjectiveUS /ˈlʌvli/

appealing to the emotions as well as the eye

From this reading I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

magazinesnounUS /ˈmæɡəziːnz/

plural of “magazine” — a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

MissionarynounUS /ˈmɪʃəneri/

someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

MothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

NinanounUS /ˈniːnə/

the Babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of Ea

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

notesnounUS /noʊts/

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

papersnounUS /ˈpeɪpərz/

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

promisedverbUS /ˈprɑːməst/

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

saysnounUS /sez/

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

seemsverbUS /siːmz/

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

speakingnounUS /ˈspiːkɪŋ/

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

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 CECILIA CONTINUES HER STORY.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

toldverbUS /toʊld/

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

troublesnounUS /ˈtrʌbəlz/

plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading How true it is we know not what an hour may bring forth.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

weeksnounUS /wiːks/

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

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 I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading I remember the day of which I am speaking so well; it began so brightly, such a lovely morning.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

writeverbUS /raɪt/

produce a literary work

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading So many dreadful things have happened since last I told my story, that if I had not promised Nina, I do not think I could have written any more; but since the troubles began in China, Nina and I agreed to write a little history of what is happening every day, and afterwards we shall compare notes, and then, as Mother says, it will interest our friends at home, and perhaps some of the Missionary papers may like the account for their magazines.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading It seems years since last I put down anything, and yet it is only a few weeks ago since that day when we were all together at Cheng-si.

Chapter 4 of A Tale of Red Pekin by Constancia Serjeant holds 57 sentences, grouped into 12 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 4 of A Tale of Red Pekin contain?

Chapter 4 holds 57 sentences of A Tale of Red Pekin, unabridged, divided into 12 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of A Tale of Red Pekin by Constancia Serjeant exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 57 sentences, grouped into 12 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 4 of A Tale of Red Pekin?

Work through the 12 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 12 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 Tale of Red Pekin

Common questions about reading A Tale of Red Pekin by Constancia Serjeant on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Tale of Red Pekin?

Yes. All 1118 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #41951 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Tale of Red Pekin is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #41951, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Tale of Red Pekin take to read?

About 93 minutes of reading across 224 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A Tale of Red Pekin section by section

How to work through A Tale of Red Pekin section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 12 chapters of A Tale of Red Pekin 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 Tale of Red Pekin

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Tale of Red Pekin, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Tale of Red Pekin; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Threefold
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Tale of Red Pekin; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Mystery
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Tale of Red Pekin; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Young
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Tale of Red Pekin; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.