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Hilda: A Story of Calcutta
Hilda: A Story of Calcutta

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta is here in full — 127 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/25 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.
Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.
A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.
Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."
To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."
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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.

Hilda: A Story of Calcutta

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta is here in full — 127 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/25 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.
Line 2
Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.
Line 3
A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.
Line 4
Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."
Line 5
To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

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.

bead noun US /biːd/

a small ball with a hole through the middle

From this reading “A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.”

disperse verb US /dɪˈspɜːrs/

distribute loosely

From this reading “Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."”

dung noun US /dʌŋ/

fecal matter of animals

From this reading “A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.”

hackney noun US /ˈhækni/

a carriage for hire

From this reading “There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.”

invincibility noun US /ˌɪnvɪnsəˈbɪlɪti/

the property being difficult or impossible to defeat

From this reading “Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.”

necklaces noun US /ˈnekləsɪz/

plural of “necklace” — jewelry consisting of a cord or chain (often bearing gems) worn about the neck as an ornament (especially by women)

From this reading “A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.”

pariah noun US /pərˈaɪə/

a person who is rejected (from society or home)

From this reading “A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.”

speculating verb US /ˈspekjəleɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading “Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."”

All words in this reading · 122

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.

4

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

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

5

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

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

angryadjectiveUS /ˈæŋɡri/

feeling or showing anger

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

baboos

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

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

barkingverbUS /ˈbɑːrkɪŋ/

-ing form of “bark” — speak in an unfriendly tone

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

beadnounUS /biːd/

a small ball with a hole through the middle

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

beastsnounUS /biːsts/

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

BeholdverbUS /bɪˈhoʊld/

see with attention

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/

next to; at the side of

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

blueadjectiveUS /bluː/

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

boxnounUS /bɑːks/

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

brothernounUS /ˈbrʌðər/

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

bunnias

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

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

carriagenounUS /ˈkærɪdʒ/

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

consciousadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnʃəs/

intentionally conceived

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

Coolienoun

(ethnic slur) an offensive name for an unskilled Asian laborer

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

crowsnounUS /kroʊz/

plural of “crow” — black birds having a raucous call

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

Dhurrumtolla

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

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

disperseverbUS /dɪˈspɜːrs/

distribute loosely

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

draggedverbUS /dræɡd/

inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

drivernounUS /ˈdraɪvər/

the operator of a motor vehicle

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

driversnounUS /ˈdraɪvərz/

plural of “driver” — the operator of a motor vehicle

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

drunkenadjectiveUS /ˈdrʌŋkən/

given to or marked by the consumption of alcohol

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

dugnounUS /dʌɡ/

an udder or breast or teat

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

dungnounUS /dʌŋ/

fecal matter of animals

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

emptiedverbUS /ˈemptid/

inflected form of “empty” — make void or empty of contents

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

escapedadjectiveUS /ɪˈskeɪpt/

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

fallenadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlən/

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

flewverbUS /fluː/

inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

groupsnounUS /ɡruːps/

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

hackneynounUS /ˈhækni/

a carriage for hire

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

half-dozens

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

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

invincibilitynounUS /ˌɪnvɪnsəˈbɪlɪti/

the property being difficult or impossible to defeat

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

knockedverbUS /nɑːkt/

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

laughingadjectiveUS /ˈlæfɪŋ/

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

leanverbUS /liːn/

to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

LittleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

Lo

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

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

mothersnounUS /ˈmʌðərz/

plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

municipaladjectiveUS /mjuːˈnɪsəpəl/

relating or belonging to or characteristic of a municipality

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

mut-wallah

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

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

nakedadjectiveUS /ˈneɪkəd/

completely unclothed

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

nativeadjectiveUS /ˈneɪtɪv/

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

necklacesnounUS /ˈnekləsɪz/

plural of “necklace” — jewelry consisting of a cord or chain (often bearing gems) worn about the neck as an ornament (especially by women)

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

oblongadjectiveUS /ˈɑːblɔːŋ/

(of a leaf shape) having a somewhat elongated form with approximately parallel sides

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

ordersnounUS /ˈɔːrdərz/

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

ox-carts

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

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

panicnounUS /ˈpænɪk/

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

pariahnounUS /pərˈaɪə/

a person who is rejected (from society or home)

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

pavementnounUS /ˈpeɪvmənt/

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

PeacenounUS /piːs/

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

pedlarnoun

someone who travels about selling his wares (as on the streets or at carnivals)

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

personnounUS /ˈpɜːrsən/

a human being

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

perspectivenounUS /pərˈspektɪv/

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

policemannounUS /pəˈliːsmən/

a member of a police force

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

presentlyadverbUS /ˈprezəntli/

in the near future

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

protestingverbUS /prəˈtestɪŋ/

-ing form of “protest” — utter words of protest

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

regulationsnounUS /ˌreɡjəˈleɪʃənz/

plural of “regulation” — an authoritative rule

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

roadnounUS /roʊd/

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

runningadjectiveUS /ˈrʌnɪŋ/

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

screamsnounUS /skriːmz/

plural of “scream” — sharp piercing cry

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

shabbyadjectiveUS /ˈʃæbi/

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

sharpadjectiveUS /ʃɑːrp/

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

shrillyadverb

in a shrill voice

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

sidenounUS /saɪd/

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

speculatingverbUS /ˈspekjəleɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

staringadjectiveUS /ˈsterɪŋ/

(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

syce

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

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

ThereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

thingnounUS /θɪŋ/

a special situation

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

ticca-gharry

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

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Little groups of baboos[4] and bunnias[5] stood looking after, laughing and speculating; a native policeman, staring also, gave them sharp orders to disperse, and they said to him, "Peace, brother."

torenounUS /tɔːr/

commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

tramcarnoun

a four-wheeled wagon that runs on tracks in a mine

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

trotverbUS /trɑːt/

run at a moderately swift pace

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

turnedadjectiveUS /tɜːrnd/

moved around an axis or center

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

vehiclenounUS /ˈviːhɪkəl/

a conveyance that transports people or objects

From this reading A pariah tore along beside the vehicle barking; crows flew up from the dung in the road by half-dozens, protesting shrilly; a pedlar of blue bead necklaces just escaped being knocked down.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading There was a panic in Dhurrumtolla; a "ticca-gharry"--the shabby oblong box on wheels, dignified in municipal regulations as a hackney carriage--was running away.

whirledverbUS /wɜːrld/

past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading To each other they said, "Behold, the driver is a 'mut-wallah,'" (or drunken person); and presently, as the thing whirled further up the emptied perspective, "Lo! the syce has fallen."

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Coolie mothers dragged naked children up on the pavement with angry screams; drivers of ox-carts dug their lean beasts in the side and turned out of the way almost at a trot; only the tramcar held on its course in conscious invincibility.

Chapter 7 of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta by Sara Jeannette Duncan holds 127 sentences, grouped into 26 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 7 of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta contain?

Chapter 7 holds 127 sentences of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta, unabridged, divided into 26 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 7 of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta by Sara Jeannette Duncan exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 127 sentences, grouped into 26 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 7 of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta?

Work through the 26 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 26 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 7 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 7 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 Hilda: A Story of Calcutta

Common questions about reading Hilda: A Story of Calcutta by Sara Jeannette Duncan on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta?

Yes. All 4799 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #18051 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #18051, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Hilda: A Story of Calcutta take to read?

About 399 minutes of reading across 960 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Hilda: A Story of Calcutta section by section

How to work through Hilda: A Story of Calcutta section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 30 chapters of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta 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 Hilda: A Story of Calcutta

Words and structures a reader meets early in Hilda: A Story of Calcutta, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Pushed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Portiere
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Aside
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Curved
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Hilda: A Story of Calcutta; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.