Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Dombey and Son
Dombey and Son

Chapter XV · Chapter 15

Chapter 15 of Dombey and Son is here in full — 372 sentences across 75 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Dombey and Son
Context Illustration Reading 1/74 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.
The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.
The general action of a man so engagedpausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lipsdealing, and sorting, and pondering by turnswould easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.
The face of Mr Carker the Manager was in good keeping with such a fancy.
It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.
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.

Dombey and Son

Chapter XV · Chapter 15

Chapter 15 of Dombey and Son is here in full — 372 sentences across 75 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/74 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.
Line 2
The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.
Line 3
The general action of a man so engagedpausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lipsdealing, and sorting, and pondering by turnswould easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.
Line 4
The face of Mr Carker the Manager was in good keeping with such a fancy.
Line 5
It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

Mind noun US /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.”

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.”

All words in this reading · 130

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

A

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

about

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

action

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

all

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

and

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

another

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

as

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

at

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

backing

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

betrayed

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

brows

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

bundle

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

business

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

by

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

cards

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

Carker

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

come

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

contents

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

crafty

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

deal

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

dealing

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

departments

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

desk

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

distribution

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

do

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

easily

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

engaged

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

exactly

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

examining

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

face

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

From this reading The face of Mr Carker the Manager was in good keeping with such a fancy.

fancy

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

From this reading The face of Mr Carker the Manager was in good keeping with such a fancy.

fell

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

find

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

for

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

game

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

general

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

good

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

had

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

hand

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

heaps

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

heavy

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

held

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

him

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

himself

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

his

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

House

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

in

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

into

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

It

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

its

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

keeping

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

From this reading The face of Mr Carker the Manager was in good keeping with such a fancy.

knew

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

knitted

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

letters

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

lips

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

little

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

look

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

made

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

man

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

Management

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

Manager

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

master

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

memoranda

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

missed

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

morning

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

Mr

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

never

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

occasionally

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

of

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

on

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

other

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

out

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

over

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

own

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

papers

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

parcelling

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

pausing

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

play

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

player

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

players

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

points

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

pondering

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

portions

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

post

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

purport

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

pursed-out

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

reading

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

references

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

registered

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

required

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

resemblance

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

reserved

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

round

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

sat

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

several

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

smooth

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

so

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

soft

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

some

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

sorting

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

strong

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

studied

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

such

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

suggest

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

taking

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

that

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

From this reading The post had come in heavy that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do.

the

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

their

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

them

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

they

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

those

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

through

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

to

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

Trifle

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

turns

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

up

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

usual

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

various

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

warily

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

was

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

From this reading The face of Mr Carker the Manager was in good keeping with such a fancy.

weak

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

were

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

what

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

which

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

whimsical

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

who

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

From this reading It was the face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other players held, and who never betrayed his own hand.

with

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

From this reading A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager Mr Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution through the several departments of the House.

would

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

From this reading The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards.

Chapter 15 of Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens holds 372 sentences, grouped into 75 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 15 of Dombey and Son contain?

Chapter 15 holds 372 sentences of Dombey and Son, unabridged, divided into 75 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 15 of Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 372 sentences, grouped into 75 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 15 of Dombey and Son?

Work through the 75 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 75 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 15 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 15 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Dombey and Son

Common questions about reading Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Dombey and Son?

Yes. All 16397 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #821 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Dombey and Son is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #821, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Dombey and Son take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 3280 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Dombey and Son section by section

How to work through Dombey and Son section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 39 chapters of Dombey and Son to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Dombey and Son

Words and structures a reader meets early in Dombey and Son, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Dombey and Son; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Timely
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Dombey and Son; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Provision
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Dombey and Son; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Emergency
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Dombey and Son; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.