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Alexander's Bridge

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of Alexander's Bridge is here in full — 200 sentences across 40 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Willa Cather • Curated US English Learning Edition

Cover illustration for Alexander's Bridge

English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5

On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

Narrator

Speed 0.75x

AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English

LEARNER DICTIONARY

Archivist

/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/

Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Chapter IV Reading 1/40

Alexander's Bridge

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of Alexander's Bridge is here in full — 200 sentences across 40 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/40 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1

On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

Line 2

He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

Line 3

Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

Line 4

Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

Line 5

Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

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.

Alone adjective US /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading “Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.”

Stood verb US /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading “Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.”

All words in this reading · 67

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.

a

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

about

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

afternoon

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

Alexander

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

and

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

answered

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

apartment

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

arrived

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

From this reading Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

at

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

attended

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

awkwardly

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

brought

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

Burgoyne's

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

by

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

called

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

came

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

charming

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

competent

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

course

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

From this reading Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

deep-set

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

delightful

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

door

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

dropped

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

From this reading Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

during

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

From this reading Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

early

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

From this reading Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

every

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

eyes

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

faded

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

found

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

French

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

He

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

her

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

Hilda

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

his

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

Hugh

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

in

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

invitation

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

it

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

little

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

lived

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

MacConnell

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

managing

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

met

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

Miss

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

of

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

From this reading Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

On

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

one

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

out

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

people

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

place

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

pretty

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

remembered

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

servant

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

sister

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

some

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

From this reading Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

Sunday

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

From this reading On Sunday afternoon Alexander remembered Miss Burgoyne’s invitation and called at her apartment.

tea

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

tea-cup

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

the

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

there

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

From this reading He found it a delightful little place and he met charming people there.

twenty-odd

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

From this reading Alexander arrived early, and some twenty-odd people dropped in during the course of the afternoon.

very

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

watching

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

who

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

From this reading Hilda lived alone, attended by a very pretty and competent French servant who answered the door and brought in the tea.

with

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

From this reading Hugh MacConnell came with his sister, and stood about, managing his tea-cup awkwardly and watching every one out of his deep-set, faded eyes.

Chapter 4 of Alexander's Bridge by Willa Cather holds 200 sentences, grouped into 40 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 4 of Alexander's Bridge contain?

Chapter 4 holds 200 sentences of Alexander's Bridge, unabridged, divided into 40 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of Alexander's Bridge by Willa Cather exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 200 sentences, grouped into 40 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 Alexander's Bridge?

Work through the 40 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 40 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 Alexander's Bridge

Common questions about reading Alexander's Bridge by Willa Cather on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Alexander's Bridge?

Yes. All 1968 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #94 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Alexander's Bridge is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #94, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Alexander's Bridge take to read?

About 164 minutes of reading across 394 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Alexander's Bridge section by section

How to work through Alexander's Bridge section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

Open a chapter

Choose one of the 10 chapters of Alexander's Bridge to begin.
Read one section

Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Listen and tap

Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Alexander's Bridge

Words and structures a reader meets early in Alexander's Bridge, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Brilliant: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Alexander's Bridge; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
April: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Alexander's Bridge; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Afternoon: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Alexander's Bridge; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Professor: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Alexander's Bridge; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.