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In Old Madras
In Old Madras

Chapter XX

Cover illustration for In Old Madras
Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.
Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.
He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.
From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.
Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

In Old Madras

Chapter XX

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.
Line 2
Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.
Line 3
He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.
Line 4
From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.
Line 5
Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

Learner Dictionary

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

Hands plural noun US /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading “Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.”

Journey noun US /ˈjourney/

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

From this reading “From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.”

Lest conjunction US /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading “Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.”

Nay exclamation US /neɪ/

an old word for “no”

From this reading “He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.”

Within preposition US /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading “Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.”

All words in this reading · 115

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

active

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

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

adopted

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

affairs

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

also

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

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

anxious

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

Bangalore

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

bankrupt

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

believed

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

black

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

clever

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

clue

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

conducted

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

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

creditors

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

cupboards

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

daughter

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

Delicacy

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

departed

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

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

disturbed

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

dragged

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

earth

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

effected

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

elderly

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

family

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

followed

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

forbids

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

four

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

Francis

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

fugitives

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

handsplural nounUS /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

hiding

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

home

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

horse-dealer

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

husband

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

idleness

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

information

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

instigated

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

intrusions

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

journeynounUS /ˈjourney/

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

learn

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

lestconjunctionUS /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

linger

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

Mallender

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

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

man

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

matters

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

Mercara

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

merely

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

months

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

Mrs

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

much

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

Mysore

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

nayexclamationUS /neɪ/

an old word for “no”

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

Ootacamund

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

out

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

own

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

Parsons

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

peradventure

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

personally

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

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

practical

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

promptly

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

proved

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

pursued

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

put

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

ran

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

Rochfort

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

search

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

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

sent

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

set

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

sheep

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

shoulder

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

skeletons

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

started

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

stoutly

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

the-wisp

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

then

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

too

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

Trichinopoly

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

up

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

various

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

Vellore

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

weeks

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

wheel

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

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He was anxious to make up for four weeks', nay four months' idleness; instigated by information from Francis, he put his shoulder stoutly to the wheel, and set out for Vellore, where he believed he had a clue, and pursued and ran to earth an elderly man, who proved to be merely a bankrupt horse-dealer.

wills-o

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

From this reading From Vellore, it was but a short journey to Bangalore, from Bangalore, he followed various wills-o'-the-wisp, to Mysore, Mercara, and Trichinopoly.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.

WithinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Within a short time, Mallender also departed on an active, "personally conducted" search.

wives

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

From this reading Delicacy forbids one to linger on the intrusions into family affairs effected by Mallender; the skeletons he dragged from their cupboards, the black sheep he disturbed; the fugitives hiding from their creditors, "or their wives."

woman

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

From this reading Mrs. Rochfort, a clever and practical woman, promptly took matters into her own hands; sent Parsons home--lest peradventure she might learn too much--and then, with her husband and adopted daughter, started for Ootacamund.