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Alton of Somasco
Alton of Somasco

Chapter VI · Chapter 6

Chapter 6 of Alton of Somasco is here in full — 251 sentences across 51 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/50 · 5 lines
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ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.
This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.
He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.
Alton had in the meanwhile quietly avoided the subject.
Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Alton of Somasco

Chapter VI · Chapter 6

Chapter 6 of Alton of Somasco is here in full — 251 sentences across 51 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/50 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.
Line 2
This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.
Line 3
He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.
Line 4
Alton had in the meanwhile quietly avoided the subject.
Line 5
Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

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.

advisable adjective US /ədˈvaɪzəbəl/

worthy of being recommended or suggested; prudent or wise

From this reading “He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.”

blunders noun US /ˈblʌndərz/

plural of “blunder” — an embarrassing mistake

From this reading “ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.”

firmer adjective US /ˈfɜːrmər/

comparative of “firm” — marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading “He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.”

lengthy adjective US /ˈleŋθi/

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading “This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.”

negotiations noun US /nəˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “negotiation” — a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading “He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.”

regaining noun US /rɪˈɡeɪnɪŋ/

getting something back again

From this reading “This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.”

relieving verb US /rɪˈliːvɪŋ/

-ing form of “relieve” — provide physical relief, as from pain

From this reading “He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.”

termination noun US /tərməˈneɪʃən/

a coming to an end of a contract period

From this reading “He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.”

All words in this reading · 110

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

absencenounUS /ˈæbsəns/

the state of being absent

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

adoptverbUS /əˈdɑːpt/

choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

advisableadjectiveUS /ədˈvaɪzəbəl/

worthy of being recommended or suggested; prudent or wise

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

AffairsnounUS /əˈferz/

matters of personal concern

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

ALTON

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

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

anxietynounUS /æŋˈzaɪəti/

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

arrivingverbUS /ərˈaɪvɪŋ/

-ing form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Alton had in the meanwhile quietly avoided the subject.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

BLUNDERSnounUS /ˈblʌndərz/

plural of “blunder” — an embarrassing mistake

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

Carnaby

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

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

causenounUS /kɑːz/

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

companynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

concernnounUS /kənˈsɜːrn/

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

daughternounUS /ˈdɔːtər/

a female human offspring

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

decidedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd/

recognizable; marked

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

Deringham

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

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

desirousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəs/

having or expressing desire for something

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

doctor'snounUS /ˈdɑːktərz/

possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

enableverbUS /eˈneɪbəl/

render capable or able for some task

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

enterprisenounUS /ˈentərpraɪz/

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/

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

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

favourableadjective

encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

financialadjectiveUS /fəˈnænʃəl/

involving financial matters

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

firmeradjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrmər/

comparative of “firm” — marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

formationnounUS /fɔːrˈmeɪʃən/

an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

gainingverbUS /ˈɡeɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

glancingverbUS /ˈɡlænsɪŋ/

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

healthnounUS /helθ/

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

immediateadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmiːdiːət/

of the present time and place

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

interestedadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəstɪd/

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

lengthyadjectiveUS /ˈleŋθi/

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

meanwhileadverbUS /ˈmiːnwaɪl/

at the same time but in another place

From this reading Alton had in the meanwhile quietly avoided the subject.

negotiationsnounUS /nəˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “negotiation” — a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

ownernounUS /ˈoʊnər/

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

passedverbUS /pæst/

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

pleasantadjectiveUS /ˈplezənt/

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

proceedverbUS /prəˈsiːd/

continue talking

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

quietlyadverbUS /ˈkwaɪətli/

with low volume

From this reading Alton had in the meanwhile quietly avoided the subject.

recommendationnounUS /ˌrekəmənˈdeɪʃən/

something (as a course of action) that is recommended as advisable

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

regainingnounUS /rɪˈɡeɪnɪŋ/

getting something back again

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

relievingverbUS /rɪˈliːvɪŋ/

-ing form of “relieve” — provide physical relief, as from pain

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

respectingverbUS /riˈspektɪŋ/

-ing form of “respect” — regard highly; think much of

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

satnounUS /sæt/

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

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

Somasco

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

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/

to a small degree or extent

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

spentadjectiveUS /spent/

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Alton had in the meanwhile quietly avoided the subject.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

terminationnounUS /tərməˈneɪʃən/

a coming to an end of a contract period

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

tonenounUS /toʊn/

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

trainverbUS /treɪn/

create by training and teaching

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

understandingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

valleynounUS /ˈvæli/

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

verandahnoun

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

vigournoun

forceful exertion

From this reading This, however, did not cause him any great concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided on a somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaining health and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

weeksnounUS /wiːks/

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

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughter on the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading ALTON BLUNDERS Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at any understanding with its owner.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading He was also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations for the formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interested in in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, a favourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financial anxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone in any discussion respecting Carnaby.

Chapter 6 of Alton of Somasco by Harold Bindloss holds 251 sentences, grouped into 51 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 6 of Alton of Somasco contain?

Chapter 6 holds 251 sentences of Alton of Somasco, unabridged, divided into 51 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 6 of Alton of Somasco by Harold Bindloss exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 251 sentences, grouped into 51 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 6 of Alton of Somasco?

Work through the 51 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 51 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 6 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 6 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 Alton of Somasco

Common questions about reading Alton of Somasco by Harold Bindloss on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Alton of Somasco?

Yes. All 6820 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #14261 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Alton of Somasco is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #14261, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Alton of Somasco take to read?

About 568 minutes of reading across 1364 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Alton of Somasco section by section

How to work through Alton of Somasco section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 33 chapters of Alton of Somasco to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Alton of Somasco

Words and structures a reader meets early in Alton of Somasco, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chilly
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Alton of Somasco; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Log-walled
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Alton of Somasco; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Living-room
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Alton of Somasco; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Townshead
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Alton of Somasco; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.