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Fickle Fortune
Fickle Fortune

Chapter XIV

Cover illustration for Fickle Fortune
Context Illustration Reading 1/47 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.
Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.
The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.
This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.
So young, so beautiful, rich and happy--his wedding-day so near!
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Fickle Fortune

Chapter XIV

Reading 1/47 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.
Line 2
Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.
Line 3
The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.
Line 4
This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.
Line 5
So young, so beautiful, rich and happy--his wedding-day so near!

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.”

Fair noun US /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.”

Shadow noun US /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading “Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.”

Splendour noun US /ˈsplendər/

magnificent and impressive appearance

From this reading “Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.”

Third noun US /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.”

Watered noun US /ˈwatered/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.”

All words in this reading · 89

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

all

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

arrived

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

awakened

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

bearing

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

beautiful

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

From this reading So young, so beautiful, rich and happy--his wedding-day so near!

blossomed

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

caused

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

characteristics

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

circumstances

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

closed

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

consternation

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

Count

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

dark

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

death

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

due

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

earth

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

Edmund

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

Edmund's

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

emerged

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

endeared

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

Ettersberg

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

fairnounUS /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

forth

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

frightful

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

frost

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

general

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

gone

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

grave

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

greatest

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

happiness

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

happy

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

From this reading So young, so beautiful, rich and happy--his wedding-day so near!

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

hope

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

human

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

icy

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

lightened

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

many

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

mourning

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

much

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

near

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

From this reading So young, so beautiful, rich and happy--his wedding-day so near!

neighbourhood

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

newborn

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

Now

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

personal

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

pinions

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

rich

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

From this reading So young, so beautiful, rich and happy--his wedding-day so near!

shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

snow

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

splendournounUS /ˈsplendər/

magnificent and impressive appearance

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

Spring

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

swallows

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

sympathy

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.

tears

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

there

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

thirdnounUS /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

Twice

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

universal

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

vision

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

von

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

From this reading Twice the swallows had come and gone since the grave had closed on Edmund von Ettersberg.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

waterednounUS /ˈwatered/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

wedding-day

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

From this reading So young, so beautiful, rich and happy--his wedding-day so near!

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading This universal mourning was due as much to Edmund's personal characteristics, which had endeared him to all, as to the frightful circumstances of his death.

winter

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

From this reading Now for the third time they arrived, bearing Spring upon their pinions; and as, after all the icy frost and snow of winter, the earth blossomed forth in newborn splendour, so the dark shadow of that grave, watered by many tears, was lightened, and from it there emerged a fair vision of human hope and happiness.

young

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

From this reading The death of young Count Ettersberg had caused the greatest consternation, and awakened general sympathy in the neighbourhood.