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Deadham Hard: A Romance
Deadham Hard: A Romance

Chapter XVII

Cover illustration for Deadham Hard: A Romance
Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.
Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.
"It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.
The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.
"I am very much worried about my share in the matter."
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.

Deadham Hard: A Romance

Chapter XVII

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.
Line 2
Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.
Line 3
"It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.
Line 4
The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.
Line 5
"I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

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 “"I am very much worried about my share in the matter."”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.”

Duty noun US /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading “Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.”

Lamented verb US /ləˈmentɪd/

expressed great sadness or disappointment

From this reading “"It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.”

NEVER noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.”

Retired verb US /rɪˈtaɪərd/

went away to a private place

From this reading “The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.”

All words in this reading · 85

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 CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

action

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

adventure

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

agog

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

all

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

bedclothes

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

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

BeforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

Bilson's

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

celebrated

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

CONCERNING

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

covering

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

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

Damaris

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

darkness

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

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

days

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

Deadham

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

debating

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

demands

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

deploring

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

dignified

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

disappearance

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

Dr

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

dutynounUS /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

former

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

Horniblow

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

indisputable

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

inhabitants

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

INTEREST

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

Jane

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

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

lamentedverbUS /ləˈmentɪd/

expressed great sadness or disappointment

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

LOCAL

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

man

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

matter

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

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

MATTERS

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

Miss

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

more

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

much

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

NEVERnounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

night

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

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

nine

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

noted

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

OTHER

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

passing

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

past

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

period

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

PREACHED

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

present

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

reported

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

retiredverbUS /rɪˈtaɪərd/

went away to a private place

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

seriously

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

SERMON

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

share

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

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

task

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

two

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

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

use

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

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

Verity's

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

very

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

WHICHpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

wife

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

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

wonder

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

worried

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

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."