Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Allan Quatermain
Allan Quatermain

Chapter XVIII · The Storm Breaks

Cover illustration for Allan Quatermain
Context Illustration Reading 1/47 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.
I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.
The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.
To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.
Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.
0:00 / 0:00
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.

Allan Quatermain

Chapter XVIII · The Storm Breaks

Reading 1/47 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.
Line 2
I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.
Line 3
The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.
Line 4
To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.
Line 5
Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

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 “And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.”

Confidential adjective US /ˌkɑnfəˈdɛnʃəl/

spoken privately and not for general knowledge

From this reading “Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.”

Disposition noun US /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/

the way something is arranged or positioned

From this reading “To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.”

Grievous adjective US /ˈɡriːvəs/

very serious and causing great pain or suffering

From this reading “The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.”

Poor noun US /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.”

Sometimes noun US /sometimes/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.”

Thing noun US /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.”

All words in this reading · 121

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 And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

admitted

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

affairs

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

affection

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

Alphonse

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

altogether

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

AndconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

any

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

apt

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

bear

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

begin

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

big

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

black

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

burden

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

calamity

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

called

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

casual

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

charming

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

cloud

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

condition

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑnfəˈdɛnʃəl/

spoken privately and not for general knowledge

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

consideration

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

considered

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

Curtis

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/

the way something is arranged or positioned

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

distinguished

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

drawing

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

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

enforced

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

false

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

favoured

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

fellow

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

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

general

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

going

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

grievousadjectiveUS /ˈɡriːvəs/

very serious and causing great pain or suffering

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

hand

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

head

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

Henry

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

highly-placed

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

horizon

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

indignation

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

jealous

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

large

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

loom

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

lovely

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

lover's

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

man

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

man's

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

marks

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

marry

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

namely

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

nearer

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

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

now

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

Nyleptha

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

opportunity

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

preference

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

prevented

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

put

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

putting

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

rather

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

relation

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

royal

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

saw

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

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

secrecy

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

Sir

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

sister

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

situated

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

some

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

sometimes

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

Sorais

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

stop

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

storm

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

From this reading I saw the storm drawing nearer and nearer; and so, poor fellow, did he.

taking

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

telling

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

Then

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

thingnounUS /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

trouble

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

trying

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

From this reading Then the enforced secrecy of his relation to Nyleptha prevented Curtis from taking some opportunity of putting a stop, or trying to put a stop, to this false condition of affairs, by telling Sorais, in a casual but confidential way, that he was going to marry her sister.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

very

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

visit

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

way

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading And now it was that the trouble which at first had been but a cloud as large as a man’s hand began to loom very black and big upon our horizon, namely, Sorais’ preference for Sir Henry.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.

woman

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

From this reading The affection of so lovely and highly-placed a woman was not a thing that could in a general way be considered a calamity by any man, but, situated as Curtis was, it was a grievous burden to bear.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading To begin with, Nyleptha, though altogether charming, was, it must be admitted, of a rather jealous disposition, and was sometimes apt to visit on her lover’s head her indignation at the marks of what Alphonse would have called the “distinguished consideration” with which her royal sister favoured him.