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Behind a Mask
Behind a Mask

Chapter V

Cover illustration for Behind a Mask
Context Illustration Reading 1/81 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.
Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”
This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.
“Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.
“No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Behind a Mask

Chapter V

Reading 1/81 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.
Line 2
Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”
Line 3
This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.
Line 4
“Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.
Line 5
“No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

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 ““Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading ““Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.”

Answered noun US /ˈanswered/

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

From this reading ““Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.”

Astonished adjective US /əˈstɑːnɪʃt/

very surprised

From this reading “Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.”

Brisk adjective US /brɪsk/

energetic and quick

From this reading “Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.””

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading ““Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.””

Prophecy noun US /ˈprɒf.ə.si/

A prediction of what will happen in the future, often divinely or magically inspired.

From this reading “This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.””

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.””

Understand noun US /understand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.””

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.”

All words in this reading · 112

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

air

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

all

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

always

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

amazed

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

animatedly

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

answerednounUS /ˈanswered/

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

assuming

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

astonishedadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃt/

very surprised

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

beautiful

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

Bella

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

briskadjectiveUS /brɪsk/

energetic and quick

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

brother

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

busy

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

calmly

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

came

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

confess

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

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

contradict

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

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

control

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

cousin

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

customary

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

delighted

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

desire

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

difficulty

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

dinner

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

dinnertime

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

down

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

drawing

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

exerted

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

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

exhilarated

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

explain

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

family

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

hardly

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

Haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

instead

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

Jean

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

letter

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

lounging

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

Lucia

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

manner

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

more

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

mother

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

Mr

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

mystery

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

near

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

nettled

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

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

NothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

now

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

once

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

pacing

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

prophecynounUS /ˈprɒf.ə.si/

A prediction of what will happen in the future, often divinely or magically inspired.

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

regarded

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

restless

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

From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

ride

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

room

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

said

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

scattered

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

seen

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

silently

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

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

some

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From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

soon

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From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

steps

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From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

subjects

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From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

Sydney's

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From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

talking

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

tire

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

understandnounUS /understand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

uninteresting

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

up

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From this reading “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin.

utterly

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

various

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

very

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

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all scattered about the drawing room after dinner.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict that prophecy.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Lucia was amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.”