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Basil
Basil

Chapter IV

Cover illustration for Basil
Context Illustration Reading 1/10 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.
MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.
My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.
She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.
Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.
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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.

Basil

Chapter IV

Reading 1/10 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.
Line 2
MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.
Line 3
My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.
Line 4
She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.
Line 5
Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

Again noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.”

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.”

Besides preposition US /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading “Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.”

Course noun US /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.”

Journey noun US /ˈjourney/

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

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

Poor noun US /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

Precious adjective US /ˈpreʃəs/

rare and worth a great deal

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

Sure noun US /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.”

Whose determiner US /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading “She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.”

All words in this reading · 117

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 MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

always

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

any

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

ATprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

away

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

back

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

BARTALLOCK

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

borrowed

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

care

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

child

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

children

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

CORNWALL

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

coursenounUS /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

darling

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

DEAR

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

don't

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

friends

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

FROMprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

girl

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

glad

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

go

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

got

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

grumble

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

hearing

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

home

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

husband

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

journeynounUS /ˈjourney/

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

keep

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

kind

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

letter

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

likes

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

LONDON

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

married

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

MARY

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

MINER

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

mistress

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

money

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

more

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

MYdeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

new

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

now

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

obliged

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

other

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

pay

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

PENHALE

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

performed

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

person

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

place

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

possession

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

preciousadjectiveUS /ˈpreʃəs/

rare and worth a great deal

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

promise

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

promised

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

proper

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

received

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

respects

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

say

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

see

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

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

sending

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

sister

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

spent

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

stop

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

surenounUS /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

Susan

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

that's

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

too

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

trip

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

trusted

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

welfare

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

well

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Besides, when I married you, and took you away to Cornwall, I always promised you a trip to London to see your friends again; and now that promise is performed.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

WIFE

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

WILLIAM

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

From this reading FROM WILLIAM PENHALE, MINER, AT BARTALLOCK, IN CORNWALL, TO HIS WIFE IN LONDON.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

work

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

yesterday

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

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading My kind respects to your sister and her husband, and say I don’t grumble about the money that’s been spent in sending you with Susan to take care of her.

young

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

From this reading She was too young, poor child, to be trusted to make the journey alone; and, as I was obliged to stop at home and work to keep the other children, and pay back what we borrowed for the trip, of course you were the proper person, after me, to go with Susan--whose welfare is a more precious possession to us than any money, I am sure.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading MY DEAR MARY, I received your letter yesterday, and was more glad than I can say, at hearing that our darling girl Susan has got such a good place in London, and likes her new mistress so well.