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At Love's Cost
At Love's Cost

Chapter XXXI

Cover illustration for At Love's Cost
Context Illustration Reading 1/55 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.
There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.
But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.
She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.
For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

At Love's Cost

Chapter XXXI

Reading 1/55 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.
Line 2
There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.
Line 3
But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.
Line 4
She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.
Line 5
For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

Learner Dictionary

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

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.”

Amongst preposition US /əˈmʌŋst/

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading “There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.”

Couple noun US /ˈkʌpəl/

two people or things considered together

From this reading “There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.”

Disappeared noun US /ˈdisappeared/

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

From this reading “She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.”

Forward noun US /forward/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.”

Resting noun US /ˈresting/

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

From this reading “There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.”

Splendour noun US /ˈsplendər/

magnificent and impressive appearance

From this reading “But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.”

All words in this reading · 130

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 In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

air

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

all

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

almost

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

amongstprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋst/

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

anxiety

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

arms

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

ball

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

beauty

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

breath

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

brow

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

came

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

catch

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

Clansford

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

Clarendon

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

command

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

comparatively

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/

two people or things considered together

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

curve

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

diamonds

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

disappearednounUS /ˈdisappeared/

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

drawing-room

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

dress

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

dressing

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

early

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

empty

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

enough

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

evening

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

face

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

Falconer

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

Falconer's

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

fancied

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

flashing

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

footmen

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

forwardnounUS /forward/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

frou-frou

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

gave

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

genius

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

gloved

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

grace

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

guests

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

hair

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

hand

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

hauteur

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

heard

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

held

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

hour

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

House

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

Howard

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

ill-fated

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

Italian

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

Lady

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

languid

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

languor

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

level

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

like

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

lips

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

liveried

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

made

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

Maude

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

Miss

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

moment

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

moulded

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

neck

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

noticed

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

obedience

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

obliging

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

pathetic

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

perfectly

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

play

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

presence

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

presented

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

presently

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

presiding

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

queenly

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

quivered

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

reminded

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

resemble

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

restingnounUS /ˈresting/

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

satin

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

saw

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

shade

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

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

showed

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

some

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

splendournounUS /ˈsplendər/

magnificent and impressive appearance

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

staying

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

suited

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

superbly

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

swept

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

From this reading But presently he heard the _frou-frou_ of satin, and Maude Falconer swept in; her beauty, the splendour of her dress, the flashing of the diamonds in her hair and on her neck and arms, her queenly presence, almost made Howard catch his breath.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

There

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For the first time he noticed a shade of anxiety on the level brow, something like a pathetic curve in the perfectly moulded lips; and he fancied that the gloved hand, which he held for a moment, quivered.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In obedience to Miss Falconer's command, Howard presented himself at Clarendon House at a comparatively early hour that evening.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

well

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

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading There were some guests staying in the house, amongst them Lady Clansford, who was still obliging enough to play the part of presiding genius; but they were all resting, or dressing for the ball, and the drawing-room, into which a couple of superbly liveried footmen showed Howard, was empty.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading She came in with a languid grace, the air of _hauteur_ which suited her so well, but as she saw that Howard was alone, the languor and the _hauteur_ almost disappeared, and she came forward and gave him her hand, and he saw a look on her face which reminded him of that upon the ill-fated Italian, though it did not resemble it.