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Agnes Grey
Agnes Grey

Chapter XIX · The Letter

Cover illustration for Agnes Grey
Context Illustration Reading 1/6 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.
My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.
Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.
But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.
Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.
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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.

Agnes Grey

Chapter XIX · The Letter

Reading 1/6 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.
Line 2
My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.
Line 3
Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.
Line 4
But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.
Line 5
Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.”

Beneath preposition US /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading “My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.”

Broken noun US /broken/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.”

Determined adjective US /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading “But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.”

Herself pronoun US /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.”

Mortal adjective US /ˈmɔːrtəl/

causing or relating to death

From this reading “My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.”

Strength noun US /ˈstrength/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.”

All words in this reading · 119

Every word is available to listen to. 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 Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

affirmed

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

affliction

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

all

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

arguments

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

From this reading But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.

arrangement

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

back

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

benefit

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

breakfast-table

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

brokennounUS /broken/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

burden

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.

chargeable

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

consigned

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

crushed

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

daughter

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

dependence

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

earn

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

entreaties

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

From this reading But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

experience

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

faces

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

fail

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

father's

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

felt

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

frugal

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

future

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

garments

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

given

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

go

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

God

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

happy

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

health

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

Horton

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

inestimable

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

intentions

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

kind

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

less

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

lingering

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

live

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

livelihood

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

Lodge

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

Mary's

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

moment

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

mortaladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrtəl/

causing or relating to death

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

mother

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

mother's

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

Mr

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

MydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

own

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

parties

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

plans

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

prevail

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

From this reading But no arguments or entreaties could prevail: my mother was determined not to go.

questioned

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

remains

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

revolving

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

Richardson

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

sad

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

sat

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

society

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

sombre

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

spared

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

spirit

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

strong

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

tomb

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

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

use

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

value

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

vicarage

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

way

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

From this reading My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

wish

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

wished

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.

wishes

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

From this reading Not that she questioned, for a moment, the kind wishes and intentions of her daughter; but she affirmed that so long as God spared her health and strength, she would make use of them to earn her own livelihood, and be chargeable to no one; whether her dependence would be felt as a burden or not.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading My father’s mortal remains had been consigned to the tomb; and we, with sad faces and sombre garments, sat lingering over the frugal breakfast-table, revolving plans for our future life.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Mary’s wish was that I should go back to Horton Lodge, and that our mother should come and live with her and Mr. Richardson at the vicarage: she affirmed that he wished it no less than herself, and that such an arrangement could not fail to benefit all parties; for my mother’s society and experience would be of inestimable value to them, and they would do all they could to make her happy.