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Doña Perfecta
Doña Perfecta

Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

Chapter 26 of Doña Perfecta is here in full — 135 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.
When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.
This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.
Let us go on with our story, then.
To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Doña Perfecta

Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

Chapter 26 of Doña Perfecta is here in full — 135 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.
Line 2
When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.
/wen ˈsiːɪŋ ˈvaɪələnt ˈpæʃənz ɪn ˈoʊ.pən ɔːr kənˈsiːld ˈkɑːnflɪkt ənd led baɪ ðə ˈnætʃərəl ˌɪnˈtuːətɪv ˈɪmpəls wɪtʃ ˈɔːlweɪz əˈkʌmpəniz ˈhjuːmən ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃən wiː səkˈsiːd ɪn dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ ðə ˈhɪdən sɔːrs frʌm wɪtʃ ðæt ˈtɜːrbjələnt ˈrɪvər hæd dərˈaɪvd ɪts ˈwɔːtərz wiː ɪkˈspɪriəns ə senˈseɪʃən ˈveri ˈsɪmələr tuː ðə dɪˈlaɪt ʌv ðə ɪkˈsplɔːrər ɔːr ðə dɪˈskʌvərər ʌv æn ənˈnoʊn lænd/
Line 3
This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.
/ðɪs dɪˈlaɪt ˈprɑː.və.dəns hæz naʊ bɪˈstoʊd əˈpɑːn ʌs fɔːr ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ ðə ˈhɪdən ˈriːsesəz ʌv ðə hɑːrts wɪtʃ biːt ɪn ðɪs ˈstɔːri wiː hæv dɪˈskʌvərd æn ɪˈvent ðæt ɪz əˈʃʊrədli ðə sɔːrs ʌv ðə moʊst ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt ɪˈvents ðæt wiː hæv ˈnereɪtɪd ə ˈpæʃən wɪtʃ ɪz ðə fɜːrst drɑːp ʌv ˈwɔːtər ʌv ðə ˌɪmˈpetʃwəs ˈkɜːrənt huːz kɔːrs wiː ɑːr əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
Line 4
Let us go on with our story, then.
/let ʌs ɡoʊ ɑːn wɪð ˈaʊər ˈstɔːri ðen/
Line 5
To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

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.

accompanies verb US /əˈkʌmpəniz/

third-person singular of “accompany” — be present or associated with an event or entity

From this reading “When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.”

discoverer noun US /dɪˈskʌvərər/

someone who is the first to think of or make something

From this reading “When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.”

explorer noun US /ɪkˈsplɔːrər/

someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)

From this reading “When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.”

exploring verb US /ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/

-ing form of “explore” — inquire into

From this reading “This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.”

intuitive adjective US /ˌɪnˈtuːətɪv/

spontaneously derived from or prompted by a natural tendency

From this reading “When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.”

narrated verb US /ˈnereɪtɪd/

past form of “narrate” — provide commentary for a film, for example

From this reading “This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.”

surprises noun US /sərˈpraɪzɪz/

plural of “surprise” — the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading “MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.”

turbulent adjective US /ˈtɜːrbjələnt/

characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination

From this reading “When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.”

All words in this reading · 117

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

accompaniesverbUS /əˈkʌmpəniz/

third-person singular of “accompany” — be present or associated with an event or entity

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

agitates

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

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

assuredlyadverbUS /əˈʃʊrədli/

without a doubt

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

beatverbUS /biːt/

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

bestowedverbUS /bɪˈstoʊd/

past form of “bestow” — present

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

causenounUS /kɑːz/

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

concealedadjectiveUS /kənˈsiːld/

not accessible to view

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

concerningverbUS /kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

conflictnounUS /ˈkɑːnflɪkt/

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

currentnounUS /ˈkɜːrənt/

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

denounUS /diː/

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

delightverbUS /dɪˈlaɪt/

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

derivedadjectiveUS /dərˈaɪvd/

formed or developed from something else; not original

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

discoververbUS /dɪˈskʌvər/

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

discoveredadjectiveUS /dɪˈskʌvərd/

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

discoverernounUS /dɪˈskʌvərər/

someone who is the first to think of or make something

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

discoveringverbUS /dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/

-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

dropverbUS /drɑːp/

let fall to the ground

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

entertainingadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnɪŋ/

agreeably diverting

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

eventnounUS /ɪˈvent/

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

eventsnounUS /ɪˈvents/

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

explorernounUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrər/

someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

exploringverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/

-ing form of “explore” — inquire into

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

goverbUS /ɡoʊ/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Let us go on with our story, then.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

heartsnounUS /hɑːrts/

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

hiddenadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdən/

not accessible to view

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/

characteristic of humanity

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

impetuousadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpetʃwəs/

characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

importantadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt/

of great significance or value

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpəls/

an instinctive motive

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

interestingadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

intuitiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtuːətɪv/

spontaneously derived from or prompted by a natural tendency

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

landnounUS /lænd/

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

leaveverbUS /liːv/

go away from a place

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

lednounUS /led/

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

Letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Let us go on with our story, then.

MARIAnounUS /mərˈiːə/

a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

narratedverbUS /ˈnereɪtɪd/

past form of “narrate” — provide commentary for a film, for example

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

observationnounUS /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃən/

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Let us go on with our story, then.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Let us go on with our story, then.

ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

passionnounUS /ˈpæʃən/

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

passionsnounUS /ˈpæʃənz/

plural of “passion” — a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

Polentinos

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

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

ProvidencenounUS /ˈprɑː.və.dəns/

The protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power. (Sự quan phòng, thiên ý phù hộ.)

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

recessesnounUS /ˈriːsesəz/

plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

regardnounUS /rɪˈɡɑːrd/

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

REMEDIOS

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

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

satisfactoryadjectiveUS /ˌsætəˈsfæktri/

giving satisfaction

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

searchverbUS /sɜːrtʃ/

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

seeingnounUS /ˈsiːɪŋ/

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

sensationnounUS /senˈseɪʃən/

an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

Señora

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

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

similaradjectiveUS /ˈsɪmələr/

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

sourcenounUS /sɔːrs/

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

succeedverbUS /səkˈsiːd/

attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

surprisesnounUS /sərˈpraɪzɪz/

plural of “surprise” — the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Let us go on with our story, then.

ThereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

turbulentadjectiveUS /ˈtɜːrbjələnt/

characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

unknownadjectiveUS /ənˈnoʊn/

not known

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

violentadjectiveUS /ˈvaɪələnt/

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

watersnounUS /ˈwɔːtərz/

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When, seeing violent passions in open or concealed conflict, and led by the natural intuitive impulse which always accompanies human observation we succeed in discovering the hidden source from which that turbulent river had derived its waters, we experience a sensation very similar to the delight of the explorer or the discoverer of an unknown land.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading MARIA REMEDIOS There is nothing more entertaining than to search for the cause of some interesting event which surprises or agitates us, and nothing more satisfactory than to discover it.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading This delight Providence has now bestowed upon us; for, exploring the hidden recesses of the hearts which beat in this story, we have discovered an event that is assuredly the source of the most important events that we have narrated; a passion which is the first drop of water of the impetuous current whose course we are observing.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Let us go on with our story, then.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading To do so, let us leave Señora de Polentinos, without concerning ourselves in regard to what may have happened to her on the morning of her conversation with Maria Remedios.

Chapter 26 of Doña Perfecta by Benito Pérez Galdós holds 135 sentences, grouped into 27 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 26 of Doña Perfecta contain?

Chapter 26 holds 135 sentences of Doña Perfecta, unabridged, divided into 27 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 26 of Doña Perfecta by Benito Pérez Galdós exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 135 sentences, grouped into 27 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 26 of Doña Perfecta?

Work through the 27 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 27 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 26 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 26 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 Doña Perfecta

Common questions about reading Doña Perfecta by Benito Pérez Galdós on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Doña Perfecta?

Yes. All 4292 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #2462 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Doña Perfecta is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #2462, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Doña Perfecta take to read?

About 357 minutes of reading across 859 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Doña Perfecta section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 32 chapters of Doña Perfecta 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 Doña Perfecta

Words and structures a reader meets early in Doña Perfecta, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Villahorrenda
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Doña Perfecta; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Minutes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Doña Perfecta; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Train
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Doña Perfecta; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Unnecessary
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Doña Perfecta; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.