Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Ethel Morton's Enterprise
Ethel Morton's Enterprise

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of Ethel Morton's Enterprise is here in full — 137 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Ethel Morton's Enterprise
Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
"NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.
"How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.
"As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."
"Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.
"Go ahead, Helen.
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.

Ethel Morton's Enterprise

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of Ethel Morton's Enterprise is here in full — 137 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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

Line 1
"NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.
/ˈnʌθɪŋ bʌt liːvz wen ðə liːvz wɜːr wel aʊt ɑːn ðə triːz ˈhelən held æn ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃən klæs wʌn ˌæftərˈnuːn ɪn frʌnt ʌv ðə keɪv/
Line 2
"How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.
Line 3
"As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."
Line 4
"Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.
/teɪk ə ɡʊd fʊl breθ ˈæftər ðæt lɔːŋ ˈsentəns ædˈvaɪzd dʒeɪmz/
Line 5
"Go ahead, Helen.
/ɡoʊ əˈhed ˈhelən/

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.

advised adjective US /ædˈvaɪzd/

having the benefit of careful prior consideration or counsel

From this reading “"Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.”

benefit noun US /ˈbenəfɪt/

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading “"As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."”

botany noun US /ˈbɑːtəni/

all the plant life in a particular region or period

From this reading “"As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."”

intelligent adjective US /ˌɪnˈtelədʒənt/

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading “"How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.”

lettuce noun US /ˈletəs/

informal terms for money

From this reading “"As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."”

replying verb US /rɪˈplaɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading “"As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."”

representing verb US /ˌreprɪˈzentɪŋ/

-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading “"As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."”

spinach noun US /ˈspɪnətʃ/

southwestern Asian plant widely cultivated for its succulent edible dark green leaves

From this reading “"As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."”

All words in this reading · 99

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 "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

acquaintancenounUS /əˈkweɪntəns/

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

advisedadjectiveUS /ædˈvaɪzd/

having the benefit of careful prior consideration or counsel

From this reading "Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading "Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.

afternoonnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːn/

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

aheadadverbUS /əˈhed/

at or in the front

From this reading "Go ahead, Helen.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

benefitnounUS /ˈbenəfɪt/

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

botanynounUS /ˈbɑːtəni/

all the plant life in a particular region or period

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

bownounUS /baʊ/

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

breathnounUS /breθ/

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading "Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.

BUTconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

cavenounUS /keɪv/

a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

ClassnounUS /klæs/

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

ClubnounUS /klʌb/

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

degreenounUS /dɪˈɡriː/

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

Della

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

don't

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

Dorothy

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

dutynounUS /ˈduːti/

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

eatverbUS /iːt/

take in solid food

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

Ethels

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

frontnounUS /frʌnt/

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading "Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.

gardennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdən/

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

GoverbUS /ɡoʊ/

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

From this reading "Go ahead, Helen.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

handsomeadjectiveUS /ˈhænsəm/

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

HelennounUS /ˈhelən/

(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

How

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

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

inasmuch

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

inquiredverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪərd/

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

intelligentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒənt/

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

it's

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

JamesnounUS /dʒeɪmz/

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

LEAVESnounUS /liːvz/

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

lettucenounUS /ˈletəs/

informal terms for money

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading "Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.

MadamnounUS /ˈmædəm/

a woman of refinement

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

Margaret

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

maybeadverbUS /ˈmeɪbi/

by chance

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

membersnounUS /ˈmembərz/

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

mentionverbUS /ˈmenʃən/

make reference to

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

NOTHINGpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

ObservationnounUS /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃən/

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

PresidentnounUS /ˈprezədent/

an executive officer of a firm or corporation

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

qualitiesnounUS /ˈkwɑːlətiz/

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

replyingverbUS /rɪˈplaɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

representingverbUS /ˌreprɪˈzentɪŋ/

-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

Roger

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

sentencenounUS /ˈsentəns/

a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language

From this reading "Take a good, full breath after that long sentence," advised James.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

spinachnounUS /ˈspɪnətʃ/

southwestern Asian plant widely cultivated for its succulent edible dark green leaves

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

studiedadjectiveUS /ˈstʌdid/

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

they've

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

thingnounUS /θɪŋ/

a special situation

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

TomnounUS /tɑːm/

male cat

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

treesnounUS /triːz/

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "How many members of this handsome and intelligent Club know what leaves are for?" she inquired.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading "NOTHING BUT LEAVES" When the leaves were well out on the trees Helen held an Observation Class one afternoon, in front of the cave.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

you've

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

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "As representing in a high degree both the qualities you mention, Madam President," returned Tom, with a bow, "I take upon myself the duty of replying that perhaps you and Roger do because you've studied botany, and maybe Margaret and James do because they've had a garden, and it's possible that the Ethels and Dorothy do inasmuch as they've had the great benefit of your acquaintance, but that Della and I don't know the very first thing about leaves except that spinach and lettuce are good to eat."

Chapter 8 of Ethel Morton's Enterprise by Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke) Smith holds 137 sentences, grouped into 28 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, 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 8 of Ethel Morton's Enterprise contain?

Chapter 8 holds 137 sentences of Ethel Morton's Enterprise, unabridged, divided into 28 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of Ethel Morton's Enterprise by Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke) Smith exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 137 sentences, grouped into 28 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 8 of Ethel Morton's Enterprise?

Work through the 28 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 28 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 8 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 8 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 Ethel Morton's Enterprise

Common questions about reading Ethel Morton's Enterprise by Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke) Smith on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Ethel Morton's Enterprise?

Yes. All 3031 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #11660 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Ethel Morton's Enterprise is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #11660, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Ethel Morton's Enterprise take to read?

About 252 minutes of reading across 607 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Ethel Morton's Enterprise section by section

How to work through Ethel Morton's Enterprise section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 16 chapters of Ethel Morton's Enterprise 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 Ethel Morton's Enterprise

Words and structures a reader meets early in Ethel Morton's Enterprise, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Right
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ethel Morton's Enterprise; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Dampness
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ethel Morton's Enterprise; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Snowballs
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ethel Morton's Enterprise; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Succession
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ethel Morton's Enterprise; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.