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Household Papers and Stories
Household Papers and Stories

Chapter V · Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of Household Papers and Stories is here in full — 401 sentences across 81 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/80 · 5 lines
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"As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.
I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.
Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.
"Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?
I submit the inquiry humbly.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Household Papers and Stories

Chapter V · Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of Household Papers and Stories is here in full — 401 sentences across 81 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/80 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
"As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.
/æz aɪ lʊkt əˈpɑːn ðiːz ˈwɪmən drest wɪð sʌtʃ ˈmɑːdəst ˈpjʊrəti aɪ bɪˈɡæn ˈsiːkrɪtli tuː θɪŋk ðæt ðə əˈpɑːsəl wɑːz nɑːt rɔːŋ wen hiː spoʊk ʌv ˈwɪmən əˈdɔːrnɪŋ ðemˈselvz wɪð ðə ˈɔːrnəmənt ʌv ə miːk ənd ˈkwaɪət ˈspɪrət fɔːr ðə həˈbɪtʃuːəl ˈdʒentəlnəs ʌv ðer ɪkˈspreʃən ðə ˈkɑːmnəs ənd ˈpjʊrəti ʌv ðə laɪnz ɪn ðer ˈfeɪsəz ðə ˈdeləkəsi ənd sɪmˈplɪsəti ʌv ðer əˈpærəl siːmd ʌv ðemˈselvz ə rer ənd pəˈkjuːljər ˈbjuːti/
Line 2
I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.
Line 3
Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.
/ˈdaʊtləs ðer ˈsɪmpəl ˈwɔːrdroʊb ˈniːdəd bʌt ə smɔːl trʌŋk ɪn ˈtrævəlɪŋ frʌm pleɪs tuː pleɪs ənd ˈhɪndərd bʌt ˈlɪtəl ðer prerz ənd ˌmɪnəˈstreɪʃənz/
Line 4
"Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?
/naʊ ɪt ɪz truː ɔːl ˈwɪmən ɑːr nɑːt kɔːld tuː sʌtʃ ə laɪf æz ðɪs bʌt maɪt nɑːt ɔːl ˈwɪmən teɪk ə liːf æt liːst frʌm ðer bʊk/
Line 5
I submit the inquiry humbly.
/aɪ səbˈmɪt ðə ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː ˈhʌmbli/

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.

adorning verb US /əˈdɔːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “adorn” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading “"As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.”

Apostle noun US /əˈpɑːsəl/

an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform

From this reading “"As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.”

apparel noun US /əˈpærəl/

clothing in general

From this reading “"As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.”

elaborately adverb US /ɪˈlæbrətli/

with elaboration

From this reading “I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.”

hindered verb US /ˈhɪndərd/

past form of “hinder” — be a hindrance or obstacle to

From this reading “Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.”

ministrations noun US /ˌmɪnəˈstreɪʃənz/

plural of “ministration” — assistance in time of difficulty

From this reading “Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.”

trimmed adjective US /trɪmd/

made neat and tidy by trimming

From this reading “I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.”

wardrobe noun US /ˈwɔːrdroʊb/

a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes

From this reading “Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

outward appearance adjective + noun

In this reading “I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.”

help thinking verb + noun

In this reading “I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.”

small trunk adjective + noun

In this reading “Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.”

peculiar beauty adjective + noun

In this reading “"As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.”

looked upon verb + particle counted as “look upon”

look on as or consider

In this reading “"As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.”

All words in this reading · 97

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 I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

adorningverbUS /əˈdɔːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “adorn” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

ApostlenounUS /əˈpɑːsəl/

an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

apparelnounUS /əˈpærəl/

clothing in general

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

beautynounUS /ˈbjuːti/

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

bonnets

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

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

booknounUS /bʊk/

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

calmnessnounUS /ˈkɑːmnəs/

steadiness of mind under stress

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

delicacynounUS /ˈdeləkəsi/

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

DoubtlessadverbUS /ˈdaʊtləs/

without doubt; certainly

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

dressedadjectiveUS /drest/

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

elaboratelyadverbUS /ɪˈlæbrətli/

with elaboration

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

facesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

fashionableadjectiveUS /ˈfæʃənəbəl/

being or in accordance with current social fashions

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

flowingnounUS /ˈfloʊɪŋ/

the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

gentlenessnounUS /ˈdʒentəlnəs/

the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

habitualadjectiveUS /həˈbɪtʃuːəl/

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

helpverbUS /help/

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

hinderedverbUS /ˈhɪndərd/

past form of “hinder” — be a hindrance or obstacle to

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

humblyadverbUS /ˈhʌmbli/

in a humble manner

From this reading I submit the inquiry humbly.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/

a search for knowledge

From this reading I submit the inquiry humbly.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

laceverbUS /leɪs/

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

leafnounUS /liːf/

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

linesnounUS /laɪnz/

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

meekadjectiveUS /miːk/

humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

ministrationsnounUS /ˌmɪnəˈstreɪʃənz/

plural of “ministration” — assistance in time of difficulty

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

neededadjectiveUS /ˈniːdəd/

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

NowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

ornamentverbUS /ˈɔːrnəmənt/

make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

peculiaradjectiveUS /pəˈkjuːljər/

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

prayersnounUS /prerz/

plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

puritynounUS /ˈpjʊrəti/

being undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

rareadjectiveUS /rer/

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/

in secrecy; not openly

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

simplicitynounUS /sɪmˈplɪsəti/

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

sleevesnounUS /sliːvz/

plural of “sleeve” — the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

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

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

spiritnounUS /ˈspɪrət/

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

spokenounUS /spoʊk/

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

submitverbUS /səbˈmɪt/

refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading I submit the inquiry humbly.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

thinkingnounUS /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

travelingnounUS /ˈtrævəlɪŋ/

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

trimmedadjectiveUS /trɪmd/

made neat and tidy by trimming

From this reading I could not help thinking that fashionable bonnets, flowing lace sleeves, and dresses elaborately trimmed could not have improved even their outward appearance.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading "Now, it is true, all women are not called to such a life as this; but might not all women take a leaf at least from their book?

trunknounUS /trʌŋk/

the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

wardrobenounUS /ˈwɔːrdroʊb/

a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes

From this reading Doubtless their simple wardrobe needed but a small trunk in traveling from place to place, and hindered but little their prayers and ministrations.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

wrongadjectiveUS /rɔːŋ/

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading "As I looked upon these women, dressed with such modest purity, I began secretly to think that the Apostle was not wrong when he spoke of women adorning themselves with the _ornament_ of a meek and quiet spirit; for the habitual gentleness of their expression, the calmness and purity of the lines in their faces, the delicacy and simplicity of their apparel, seemed of themselves a rare and peculiar beauty.

Chapter 5 of Household Papers and Stories by Harriet Beecher Stowe holds 401 sentences, grouped into 81 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 5 of Household Papers and Stories contain?

Chapter 5 holds 401 sentences of Household Papers and Stories, unabridged, divided into 81 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 5 of Household Papers and Stories by Harriet Beecher Stowe exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 401 sentences, grouped into 81 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 5 of Household Papers and Stories?

Work through the 81 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 81 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 5 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 5 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 Household Papers and Stories

Common questions about reading Household Papers and Stories by Harriet Beecher Stowe on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Household Papers and Stories?

Yes. All 5630 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #31217 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Household Papers and Stories is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #31217, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Household Papers and Stories take to read?

About 469 minutes of reading across 1126 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Household Papers and Stories section by section

How to work through Household Papers and Stories section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 14 chapters of Household Papers and Stories 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 Household Papers and Stories

Words and structures a reader meets early in Household Papers and Stories, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Frontispiece
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Household Papers and Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Photograph
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Household Papers and Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stowe
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Household Papers and Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Taken
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Household Papers and Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.