Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Anna St. Ives
Anna St. Ives

Chapter XL · Chapter 40

Chapter 40 of Anna St. Ives is here in full — 240 sentences across 48 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Anna St. Ives
Context Illustration Reading 1/48 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.
I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.
For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.
To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.
Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.
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.

Anna St. Ives

Chapter XL · Chapter 40

Chapter 40 of Anna St. Ives is here in full — 240 sentences across 48 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/48 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.
Line 2
I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.
Line 3
For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.
Line 4
To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.
Line 5
Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

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.

befallen verb US /bəˈfɑːlən/

inflected form of “befall” — become of; happen to

From this reading “I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.”

confinement noun US /kənˈfaɪnmənt/

concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child

From this reading “For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.”

congratulations noun US /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃənz/

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading “_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.”

consultation noun US /ˌkɑːnsəlˈteɪʃən/

a conference (usually with someone important)

From this reading “Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.”

deliverance noun US /dɪˈlɪvərəns/

recovery or preservation from loss or danger

From this reading “_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.”

dictated adjective US /dɪkˈteɪtɪd/

determined or decided upon as by an authority

From this reading “For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.”

honoured verb US /ˈɑːnərd/

past form of “honour” — bestow honor or rewards upon

From this reading “_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.”

Ives noun US /aɪvz/

United States composer noted for his innovative use of polytonality (1874-1954)

From this reading “_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.”

All words in this reading · 103

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

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

addverbUS /æd/

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

addressedadjectiveUS /əˈdrest/

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

AnnanounUS /ˈænə/

a former copper coin of Pakistan and India

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

attemptnounUS /əˈtempt/

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

befallenverbUS /bəˈfɑːlən/

inflected form of “befall” — become of; happen to

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

bestnounUS /best/

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

breaksnounUS /breɪks/

plural of “break” — some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

Clifton

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

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

commandsnounUS /kəˈmændz/

plural of “command” — an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

confinementnounUS /kənˈfaɪnmənt/

concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

congratulationsnounUS /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃənz/

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

consultationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəlˈteɪʃən/

a conference (usually with someone important)

From this reading Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

copynounUS /ˈkɑːpi/

a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

dearadjectiveUS /dɪr/

dearly loved

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

deliverancenounUS /dɪˈlɪvərəns/

recovery or preservation from loss or danger

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

describeverbUS /dɪˈskraɪb/

give a description of

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

dictatedadjectiveUS /dɪkˈteɪtɪd/

determined or decided upon as by an authority

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

endeavournounUS /ɪnˈdevər/

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

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

expressverbUS /ɪkˈspres/

give expression to

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

Fairfax

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

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

friendnounUS /frend/

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

giveverbUS /ɡɪv/

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

Grosvenor-Street

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

Henley

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

Henley's

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

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

honouredverbUS /ˈɑːnərd/

past form of “honour” — bestow honor or rewards upon

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

incloseverb

surround completely

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

inexpressibleadjective

defying expression

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/

an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

IvesnounUS /aɪvz/

United States composer noted for his innovative use of polytonality (1874-1954)

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

letternounUS /ˈletər/

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

lettersnounUS /ˈletərz/

the literary culture

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

Louisa

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

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

madamnounUS /ˈmædəm/

a woman of refinement

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

obeyverbUS /oʊˈbeɪ/

be obedient to

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

offadverbUS /ɔːf/

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

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

particularsnounUS /pərˈtɪkjələrz/

plural of “particular” — a fact about some part (as opposed to general)

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

passedverbUS /pæst/

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

pleasedadjectiveUS /pliːzd/

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

safetynounUS /ˈseɪfti/

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

sentnounUS /sent/

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

sincereadjectiveUS /sɪnˈsɪr/

open and genuine; not deceitful

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

St

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

terrornounUS /ˈterər/

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

thanksnounUS /θæŋks/

an acknowledgment of appreciation

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

Wenbourne

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

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading To these be pleased to add the following particulars of what passed after Mr. Henley's narrative breaks off, and the sudden interruption of my third letter by terror.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I will not attempt to describe my own feelings; they are inexpressible; but will endeavour to obey your commands, and give you the best account I am able of all that has befallen us.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

writeverbUS /raɪt/

produce a literary work

From this reading Mr. Henley heard but had no time to write their last consultation.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading For this purpose, I inclose the narrative written by Mr. Henley during his confinement; and three letters addressed to my friend, Louisa, but never sent; with a copy of a letter dictated by Mr. Clifton to his friend, Mr. Fairfax.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading _Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Mrs. Wenbourne_ _Grosvenor-Street_ I return you my sincere thanks, dear madam, for your kind congratulations; and think myself honoured by the great joy you express, at my safety and the deliverance of Mr. Henley.

Chapter 40 of Anna St. Ives by Thomas Holcroft holds 240 sentences, grouped into 48 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 40 of Anna St. Ives contain?

Chapter 40 holds 240 sentences of Anna St. Ives, unabridged, divided into 48 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 40 of Anna St. Ives by Thomas Holcroft exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 240 sentences, grouped into 48 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 40 of Anna St. Ives?

Work through the 48 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 48 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 40 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 40 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 Anna St. Ives

Common questions about reading Anna St. Ives by Thomas Holcroft on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Anna St. Ives?

Yes. All 9630 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #9468 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Anna St. Ives is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #9468, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Anna St. Ives take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1926 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Anna St. Ives section by section

How to work through Anna St. Ives section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Anna St. Ives 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 Anna St. Ives

Words and structures a reader meets early in Anna St. Ives, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Louisa
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Anna St. Ives; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Clifton
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Anna St. Ives; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Wenbourne
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Anna St. Ives; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Health
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Anna St. Ives; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.