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Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9)
Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9)

Chapter XVI

Chapter 16 of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9) is here in full — 236 sentences across 48 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9)
Context Illustration Reading 1/47 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
TEA AND TALK.
Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.
When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.
This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.
“Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9)

Chapter XVI

Chapter 16 of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9) is here in full — 236 sentences across 48 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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

Line 1
TEA AND TALK.
/tiː ənd tɔːk/
Line 2
Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.
/ˈmɪstər bɜːrk keɪm ɪn ˈɜːrliər ðæn ˈjuːʒəwəl ðɪs ˈiːvnɪŋ ðə fɜːrst taɪm sɪns hɪz ˈsɪstərz rɪˈtɜːrn ðæt hiː kʊd ˌenˈdʒɔɪ hɜːr səˈsaɪəti ɪn piːs/
Line 3
When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.
Line 4
This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.
Line 5
“Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

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.

apparatus noun US /ˌæpərˈætəs/

equipment designed to serve a specific function

From this reading “When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.”

Burke noun US /bɜːrk/

British statesman famous for his oratory; pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system (1729-1797)

From this reading “Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.”

chilly adjective US /ˈtʃɪli/

unpleasantly cold

From this reading “When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.”

grate noun US /ɡreɪt/

a frame of iron bars to hold a fire

From this reading “When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.”

luxuries noun US /ˈlʌɡʒəriz/

plural of “luxury” — something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading ““Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.”

rainy adjective US /ˈreɪni/

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading “When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.”

resigning verb US /rɪˈzaɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “resign” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily

From this reading ““Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.”

summer's noun US /ˈsʌmərz/

possessive form of “summer” — the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

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.

first time adjective + noun

In this reading “Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.”

in peace preposition + noun

In this reading “Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.”

All words in this reading · 111

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

accustomedadjectiveUS /əˈkʌstəmd/

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading TEA AND TALK.

AnyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

apparatusnounUS /ˌæpərˈætəs/

equipment designed to serve a specific function

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

arrivedverbUS /ərˈaɪvd/

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

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

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

brightlyadverbUS /ˈbraɪtli/

with brightness

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

BurkenounUS /bɜːrk/

British statesman famous for his oratory; pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system (1729-1797)

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

burningnounUS /ˈbɜːrnɪŋ/

the act of burning something

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

chillyadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪli/

unpleasantly cold

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

choicenounUS /tʃɔɪs/

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

comfortnounUS /ˈkʌmfərt/

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

domesticadjectiveUS /dəˈmestɪk/

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

earlieradverbUS /ˈɜːrliər/

earlier in time; previously

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

enjoyverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪ/

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

fireverbUS /ˈfaɪər/

start firing a weapon

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

gownnounUS /ɡaʊn/

a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

gratenounUS /ɡreɪt/

a frame of iron bars to hold a fire

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

homenounUS /hoʊm/

where you live at a particular time

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

inquiredverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪərd/

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

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

knewverbUS /nuː/

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

laidadjectiveUS /leɪd/

set down according to a plan

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

leaveverbUS /liːv/

go away from a place

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

Louisa

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

luxuriesnounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəriz/

plural of “luxury” — something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

marriedadjectiveUS /ˈmerid/

joined in matrimony

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

medicaladjectiveUS /ˈmedəkəl/

relating to the study or practice of medicine

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

messagesnounUS /ˈmesədʒəz/

plural of “message” — a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

notesnounUS /noʊts/

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

offerverbUS /ˈɔːfər/

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

pardonableadjective

admitting of being pardoned

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

peacenounUS /piːs/

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

pilenounUS /paɪl/

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

rainyadjectiveUS /ˈreɪni/

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

reachverbUS /riːtʃ/

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

readingnounUS /ˈriːdɪŋ/

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

resigningverbUS /rɪˈzaɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “resign” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily

From this reading “Any notes or messages for me, Louisa?” he inquired, before resigning himself to his domestic luxuries.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

rideverbUS /raɪd/

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/

only a very short time before

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

sisternounUS /ˈsɪstər/

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

sister'snounUS /ˈsɪstərz/

possessive form of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

slippersnounUS /ˈslɪpərz/

plural of “slipper” — low footwear that can be slipped on and off easily; usually worn indoors

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

societynounUS /səˈsaɪəti/

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

spoiledadjectiveUS /spɔɪld/

having the character or disposition harmed by pampering or oversolicitous attention

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

stormyadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːrmi/

(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

summer'snounUS /ˈsʌmərz/

possessive form of “summer” — the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

TALKverbUS /tɔːk/

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading TEA AND TALK.

TEAnounUS /tiː/

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading TEA AND TALK.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Mr. Burke came in earlier than usual this evening, the first time since his sister’s return that he could enjoy her society in peace.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

wetadjectiveUS /wet/

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

wishverbUS /wɪʃ/

hope for; have a wish

From this reading This wish was pardonable; for he was, to use his own expression, so accustomed to be spoiled by his sister that he scarcely knew what comfort was while she was away.

wishedverbUS /wɪʃt/

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading When he arrived wet and chilly from a stormy ride, and found a little fire, just enough for a rainy summer’s evening, burning brightly in the grate, the tea apparatus prepared, his slippers set ready, his study gown awaiting him, and a pile of new medical books laid within reach, as if to offer him the choice of reading or conversation, he wished within himself that Louisa would leave home no more till he was married, if that time should ever come.

Chapter 16 of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9) by Harriet Martineau holds 236 sentences, grouped into 48 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 16 of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9) contain?

Chapter 16 holds 236 sentences of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9), unabridged, divided into 48 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 16 of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9) by Harriet Martineau exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 236 sentences, grouped into 48 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 16 of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9)?

Work through the 48 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 48 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 16 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 16 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 Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9)

Common questions about reading Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9) by Harriet Martineau on this page, its source edition and its audio.

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Project Gutenberg eBook #71169, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

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About 358 minutes of reading across 861 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9) section by section

How to work through Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9) section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9)

Words and structures a reader meets early in Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9), each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Version
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cannot
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Represent
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Certain
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Illustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.