Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Cousin Maude
Cousin Maude

Chapter XIX

Cover illustration for Cousin Maude
Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE SEXTON.
The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.
Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.
No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.
In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Cousin Maude

Chapter XIX

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE SEXTON.
Line 2
The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.
Line 3
Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.
Line 4
No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.
Line 5
In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.”

Discharged verb US /dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒd/

released from a duty or job

From this reading “Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.”

John noun US /john/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.”

Toward preposition US /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading “In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.”

All words in this reading · 89

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 The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

accomplishment

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

actually

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

bell

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

black

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

built

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

changes

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

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

chapter

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

church

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

common

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

conceded

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

corner

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

day

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

delighted

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

dischargedverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒd/

released from a duty or job

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

display

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

duties

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

Episcopal

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

events

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

excelled

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

faithfully

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

five

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

greatly

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

Hill

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

imitate

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

John

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

Laurel

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

made

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

many

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

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

mark

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

Methodist

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

months

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

music

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

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

negro

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

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

new

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

occasions

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

office

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

old

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

opportunity

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

particularly

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

peculiar

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

Perfectly

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

preceding

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

presented

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

respect

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

ring

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

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

ringing

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

rival

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

September

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

SEXTON

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

From this reading THE SEXTON.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

skill

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

Society

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

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

style

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading No one could make such music as the negro, or ring so many changes.

talk

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE SEXTON.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

tried

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The Methodist Society of Laurel Hill had built themselves a new church upon the corner of the common, and as a mark of respect had made black John their sexton.

vain

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading In short, it was conceded that on great occasions he actually made the old bell talk; and one day toward the last of September, and five months after the events of the preceding chapter, an opportunity was presented for a display of his skill.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Perfectly delighted with the office, he discharged his duties faithfully, particularly the ringing of the bell, in which accomplishment he greatly excelled his Episcopal rival, who tried to imitate his peculiar style in vain.