AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
afraidadjectiveUS /əˈfreɪd/
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
beginningnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
businessnounUS /ˈbɪznəs/
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
CardigannounUS /ˈkɑːrdɪɡən/
knitted jacket that is fastened up the front with buttons or a zipper
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
caughtverbUS /kɑːt/
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
Clara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
clungverbUS /klʌŋ/
inflected form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
consentedverbUS /kənˈsentɪd/
past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
couragenounUS /ˈkɜːrədʒ/
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
courtnounUS /kɔːrt/
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
Cremorne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
DADnounUS /dæd/
an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
deformitynounUS /dɪˈfɔːrməti/
an affliction in which some part of the body is misshapen or malformed
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
detailnounUS /dɪˈteɪl/
an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
discoververbUS /dɪˈskʌvər/
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
distancenounUS /ˈdɪstəns/
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
driftedverbUS /ˈdrɪftəd/
past form of “drift” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
endnounUS /end/
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
expressedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsprest/
communicated in words
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
fallenadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlən/
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
fascinatedadjectiveUS /ˈfæsəneɪtəd/
having your attention fixated as though by a spell
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
fastidiousadjectiveUS /fæˈstɪdiəs/
giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
feltverbUS /felt/
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
fireverbUS /ˈfaɪər/
start firing a weapon
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
flavournoun
the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
fumblingadjectiveUS /ˈfʌmbəlɪŋ/
showing lack of skill or aptitude
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
furtiveadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrtɪv/
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
graduallyadverbUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəli/
in a gradual manner
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
gratifiedadjectiveUS /ˈɡrætəfaɪd/
having received what was desired
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
humournounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
inflectionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈflekʃənz/
plural of “inflection” — a change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical function
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
inneradjectiveUS /ˈɪnər/
located inward
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
intimacynounUS /ˈɪntəməsi/
close or warm friendship
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
JonahnounUS /ˈdʒoʊnə/
(Old Testament) Jonah did not wish to become a prophet so God caused a great storm to throw him overboard from a ship; he was saved by being swallowed by a whale that vomited him out onto dry land
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
keepverbUS /kiːp/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
lovenounUS /lʌv/
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
lovernounUS /ˈlʌvər/
a person who loves someone or is loved by someone
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
mannersnounUS /ˈmænərz/
social deportment
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
meetingsnounUS /ˈmiːtɪŋz/
plural of “meeting” — a formally arranged gathering
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
nearlyadverbUS /ˈnɪrli/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
outingsnounUS /ˈaʊtɪŋz/
plural of “outing” — a journey taken for pleasure
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
parentnounUS /ˈperənt/
a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
physicaladjectiveUS /ˈfɪzɪkəl/
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
plainlyadverbUS /ˈpleɪnli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
playingnounUS /ˈpleɪɪŋ/
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
PointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/
capable of happening or existing
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/
possession of controlling influence
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
pridenounUS /praɪd/
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
pupilnounUS /ˈpjuːpəl/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
putverbUS /pʊt/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
remindedverbUS /riˈmaɪndɪd/
past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
sayverbUS /seɪ/
express in words
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
scenenounUS /siːn/
the place where some action occurs
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
ShoenounUS /ʃuː/
footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
SilvernounUS /ˈsɪlvər/
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
speechnounUS /spiːtʃ/
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
strawnounUS /strɔː/
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
StreetnounUS /striːt/
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
suddenlyadverbUS /ˈsʌdənli/
happening unexpectedly
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
surprisenounUS /sərˈpraɪz/
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
TOMBSTONEnounUS /ˈtuːmstoʊn/
a stone that is used to mark a grave
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
touchedadjectiveUS /tʌtʃt/
having come into contact
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
voicenounUS /vɔɪs/
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading To her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice, she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
WEEPSverbUS /wiːps/
third-person singular of “weep” — shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was playing with fire.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading In the beginning she had consented to these meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it.
wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/
the words that are spoken
From this reading These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a detail of his business.
workingsnounUS /ˈwɜːrkɪŋz/
the internal mechanism of a device
From this reading To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw, fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe".
