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Joe Leslie's Wife
Joe Leslie's Wife

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Joe Leslie's Wife is here in full — 100 sentences across 20 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/20 · 5 lines
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ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, M.D.
_Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.
Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.
At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.
“A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.
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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.

Joe Leslie's Wife

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Joe Leslie's Wife is here in full — 100 sentences across 20 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/20 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, M.D.
Line 2
_Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.
Line 3
Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.
Line 4
At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.
Line 5
“A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

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.

flirt verb US /flɜːrt/

talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions

From this reading ““A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.”

Legacy noun US /ˈleɡəsi/

(law) a gift of personal property by will

Lisbon noun US /ˈlɪzbən/

capital and largest city and economic and cultural center of Portugal; a major port in western Portugal on Tagus River where it broadens and empties into the Atlantic

rap noun US /ræp/

a reproach for some lapse or misdeed

From this reading “_Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.”

robertson noun US /ˈrɑːbərtsən/

United States basketball guard (born in 1938)

From this reading “ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, M.D.”

Smuggler noun US /ˈsmʌɡlər/

someone who imports or exports without paying duties

Thorpe noun US /θɔːrp/

outstanding United States athlete (1888-1953)

whiff noun US /wɪf/

a short light gust of air

From this reading “Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.”

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.

elevated position adjective + noun

In this reading “At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.”

at once preposition + adverb

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

In this reading “At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.”

came down verb + adjective counted as “come down”

move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

In this reading “At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.”

once aroused adverb + adjective

In this reading “At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.”

upon the top preposition + article + noun counted as “upon … top”

In this reading “Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.”

All words in this reading · 97

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

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

absent-minded

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

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

ALEXANDERnounUS /ˌæləɡˈzændər/

European herb somewhat resembling celery widely naturalized in Britain coastal regions and often cultivated as a potherb

From this reading ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, M.D.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

althoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/

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

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

arousedadjectiveUS /ərˈaʊzd/

aroused to action

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

AuthornounUS /ˈɔːθər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

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

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/

a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

clocknounUS /klɑːk/

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

DnounUS /diː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, M.D.

Darrell

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

depositedverbUS /dəˈpɑːzɪtɪd/

past form of “deposit” — put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

desknounUS /desk/

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

DiananounUS /daɪˈænə/

English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

dingyadjectiveUS /ˈdɪndʒi/

thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

doornounUS /dɔːr/

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

elevatedadjectiveUS /ˈeləveɪtɪd/

raised above the ground

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

Eric

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

etc

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

evidentadjectiveUS /ˈevədənt/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

facenounUS /feɪs/

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

feetnounUS /fiːt/

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

flirtverbUS /flɜːrt/

talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

fournounUS /fɔːr/

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

FrozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/

turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

givingnounUS /ˈɡɪvɪŋ/

the act of giving

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

Gold-Maker

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

handkerchiefnounUS /ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

HeartsnounUS /hɑːrts/

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

hournounUS /ˈaʊər/

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

Jovenoun

(Roman mythology) supreme god of Romans; counterpart of Greek Zeus

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

LegacynounUS /ˈleɡəsi/

(law) a gift of personal property by will

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

LisbonnounUS /ˈlɪzbən/

capital and largest city and economic and cultural center of Portugal; a major port in western Portugal on Tagus River where it broadens and empties into the Atlantic

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

LittleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

MnounUS /em/

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, M.D.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

mutteredverbUS /ˈmʌtərd/

past form of “mutter” — talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

Nora's

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/

occurring from time to time

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

PhantomnounUS /ˈfæn.təm/

A ghost or apparition; a figment of the imagination or a hidden dweller.

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

pointingverbUS /ˈpɔɪntɪŋ/

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

proprietornounUS /prəˈpraɪətər/

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

rapnounUS /ræp/

a reproach for some lapse or misdeed

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

recentlyadverbUS /ˈriːsəntli/

in the recent past

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

ROBERTSONnounUS /ˈrɑːbərtsən/

United States basketball guard (born in 1938)

From this reading ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, M.D.

satnounUS /sæt/

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

smileverbUS /smaɪl/

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

SmugglernounUS /ˈsmʌɡlər/

someone who imports or exports without paying duties

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

summonsnounUS /ˈsʌmənz/

a request to be present

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

SweetheartnounUS /ˈswiːthɑːrt/

a person loved by another person

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading At this summons, his interest was at once aroused—his feet came down from their elevated position, and an expression appeared on his face that might have been a smile.

ThorpenounUS /θɔːrp/

outstanding United States athlete (1888-1953)

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

thoughtsnounUS /θɔːts/

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

topnounUS /tɑːp/

the upper part of anything

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading _Author of_ “_Gold-Maker of Lisbon_,” “_Little Sweetheart_,” “_Phantom Smuggler_,” “_Diana Thorpe_,” “_Frozen_ _Hearts_,” “_Nora’s Legacy_,” _etc._ The little clock in the dingy office of Eric Darrell was just pointing out the hour of four when there came a rap on the door.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

whiffnounUS /wɪf/

a short light gust of air

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

WithinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Within the proprietor sat alone, his feet elevated upon the top of a desk, and from his position it was evident that his thoughts were far away, for although he took an occasional whiff at his cigar, it was in an absent-minded way.

womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading “A woman, by Jove!” he muttered, giving his handkerchief a flirt over the desk where his feet had been so recently deposited.

Chapter 1 of Joe Leslie's Wife by Alexander, M.D. Robertson holds 100 sentences, grouped into 20 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 1 of Joe Leslie's Wife contain?

Chapter 1 holds 100 sentences of Joe Leslie's Wife, unabridged, divided into 20 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Joe Leslie's Wife by Alexander, M.D. Robertson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 100 sentences, grouped into 20 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.

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Work through the 20 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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.

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Is this the complete text of Joe Leslie's Wife?

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Project Gutenberg eBook #64125, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Joe Leslie's Wife take to read?

About 248 minutes of reading across 596 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in Joe Leslie's Wife

Words and structures a reader meets early in Joe Leslie's Wife, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Alexander
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Joe Leslie's Wife; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Robertson
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Joe Leslie's Wife; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Joe Leslie's Wife; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Gold-maker
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Joe Leslie's Wife; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.