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Blake's Burden
Blake's Burden

Chapter II

Cover illustration for Blake's Burden
Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.
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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.

Blake's Burden

Chapter II

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.
Line 2
Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.
Line 3
She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.
Line 4
It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.
Line 5
There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

Learner Dictionary

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

Above preposition US /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading “Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.”

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.”

Current noun US /ˈcurrent/

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

From this reading “There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.”

Whose determiner US /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading “She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.”

All words in this reading · 99

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 MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

ACQUAINTANCE

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

ANdeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

aside

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

big

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

black

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

Blake

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

blazed

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

board

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

bold

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

bows

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

broad

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

caught

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

city

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

Close

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

currentnounUS /ˈcurrent/

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

decks

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

Dusk

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

edge

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

elderly

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

end

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

face

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

fading

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

falling

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

fell

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

few

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

followed

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

gangway

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

girl

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

gleam

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

hand

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

hurried

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

lady

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

light

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

maid

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

MILLICENT

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

minutes

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

out

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

pass

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

passengers

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

reaching

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

receiving

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

RENEWS

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

Richard

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

ridge

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

river

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

rope

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

sailing

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

see

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

sharp

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

sheds

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

shout

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

sidewheel

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

sky

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

slipped

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

splash

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

spotlessly

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

steamer

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

stepped

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

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

stream

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

swing

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

There

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

tiers

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was a few minutes after the sailing time, and as the lady stepped on board a rope fell with a splash.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

towered

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

warning

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

From this reading There was a shout of warning as the bows, caught by the current, began to swing out into the stream, and the end of the gangway slipped along the edge of the wharf.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

western

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

wharf

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

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading MILLICENT RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE Dusk was falling on the broad river, and the bold ridge behind the city stood out sharp and black against a fading gleam in the western sky, when Richard Blake hurried along the wharf.

white

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

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading She was followed by her maid and a girl whose face he could not see.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Close at hand a big, sidewheel steamer, spotlessly white, with tiers of decks that towered above the sheds and blazed with light, was receiving the last of her passengers, and on reaching the gangway Blake stood aside to let an elderly lady pass.