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Barchester Towers
Barchester Towers

Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of Barchester Towers is here in full — 261 sentences across 53 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/52 · 5 lines
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ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.
Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.
It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.
But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.
He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Barchester Towers

Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of Barchester Towers is here in full — 261 sentences across 53 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/52 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.
Line 2
Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.
Line 3
It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.
Line 4
But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.
Line 5
He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

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.

depression noun US /dɪˈpreʃən/

a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity

From this reading “He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.”

despised adjective US /dɪˈspaɪzd/

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading “He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.”

gnawing verb US /ˈnɔːɪŋ/

-ing form of “gnaw” — bite or chew on with the teeth

From this reading “He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.”

incredulity noun US /ˌɪnkrəˈduːlɪti/

doubt about the truth of something

From this reading “Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.”

indefinable adjective US /ˌɪndɪˈfaɪnəbəl/

not capable of being precisely or readily described; not easily put into words

From this reading “He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.”

probability noun US /ˌprɑːbəˈbɪlətiː/

a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur; a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible

From this reading “Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.”

rectory noun US /ˈrektəri/

an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector

From this reading “ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.”

strictly adverb US /ˈstrɪktli/

restricted to something

From this reading “ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.”

All words in this reading · 104

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 He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

amazementnounUS /əˈmeɪzmənt/

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

analysed

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

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

ANOTHERdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

Arabin

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

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

carryingverbUS /ˈkæriɪŋ/

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

certainlyadverbUS /ˈsɜːrtənli/

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

connectionnounUS /kəˈnekʃən/

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

deepadjectiveUS /diːp/

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

depressionnounUS /dɪˈpreʃən/

a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

despisedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspaɪzd/

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

Eleanor

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

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

Eleanor's

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

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

else

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

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

experiencedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspɪriənst/

having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/

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

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

fondadjectiveUS /fɑːnd/

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

friendnounUS /frend/

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

gnawingverbUS /ˈnɔːɪŋ/

-ing form of “gnaw” — bite or chew on with the teeth

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

how

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

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

incredulitynounUS /ˌɪnkrəˈduːlɪti/

doubt about the truth of something

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

indefinableadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈfaɪnəbəl/

not capable of being precisely or readily described; not easily put into words

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

inwardadjectiveUS /ˈɪnwərd/

relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

LOVEnounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

lovedadjectiveUS /lʌvd/

held dear

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

marriagenounUS /ˈmerɪdʒ/

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

offadverbUS /ɔːf/

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

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

periodnounUS /ˈpɪriəd/

an amount of time

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

preventverbUS /prɪˈvent/

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

prizenounUS /praɪz/

something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

probabilitynounUS /ˌprɑːbəˈbɪlətiː/

a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur; a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

rectorynounUS /ˈrektəri/

an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

regretverbUS /rəˈɡret/

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

SCENEnounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

self-abasement

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

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

SlopenounUS /sloʊp/

an elevated geological formation

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/

to a small degree or extent

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

sorrownounUS /ˈsɑːroʊ/

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

speciesnounUS /ˈspiːʃiz/

(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

spiritsnounUS /ˈspɪrɪts/

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

strictlyadverbUS /ˈstrɪktli/

restricted to something

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

sweetadjectiveUS /swiːt/

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

thoroughlyadverbUS /ˈθɜːroʊli/

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

unconquerable

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

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

unfortunateadjectiveUS /ənˈfɔːrtʃənət/

not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading It has been said that he was not in love with Eleanor, and up to this period this certainly had been true.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading But as soon as he heard that she loved some one else, he began to be very fond of her himself.

vileadjectiveUS /vaɪl/

morally reprehensible

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

visitornounUS /ˈvɪzɪtər/

someone who visits

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading ANOTHER LOVE SCENE But there was another visitor at the rectory whose feelings in this unfortunate matter must be somewhat strictly analysed.

wifenounUS /waɪf/

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

wishedverbUS /wɪʃt/

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading He did not make up his mind that he wished to have her for his wife; he had never thought of her, and did not know how to think of her, in connection with himself; but he experienced an inward indefinable feeling of deep regret, a gnawing sorrow, and unconquerable depression of spirits, and also a species of self-abasement that he--he Mr Arabin--had not done something to prevent that other he, that vile he, whom he so thoroughly despised, from carrying off his sweet prize.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr Arabin had heard from his friend of the probability of Eleanor's marriage with Mr Slope with amazement, but not with incredulity.

Chapter 23 of Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope holds 261 sentences, grouped into 53 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 23 of Barchester Towers contain?

Chapter 23 holds 261 sentences of Barchester Towers, unabridged, divided into 53 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 23 of Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 261 sentences, grouped into 53 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 23 of Barchester Towers?

Work through the 53 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 53 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 23 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 23 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 Barchester Towers

Common questions about reading Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Barchester Towers?

Yes. All 9518 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #2432 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Barchester Towers is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #2432, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Barchester Towers take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1904 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Barchester Towers section by section

How to work through Barchester Towers section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Barchester Towers 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 Barchester Towers

Words and structures a reader meets early in Barchester Towers, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Bishop
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Barchester Towers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Latter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Barchester Towers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Important
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Barchester Towers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Question
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Barchester Towers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.