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Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories
Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories

Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories is here in full — 106 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
"All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.
The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.
I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.
The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"
To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.
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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.

Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories

Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories is here in full — 106 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/21 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
"All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.
Line 2
The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.
/ðə mɔːr aɪ rɪˈflekt əˈpɑːn ɪt ðə mɔːr aɪ æm kənˈvɪnst ɪt ɪz ə ˈkʌmfərtəbli ˈkɑːmpækt kənˈfeʃən ʌv maɪ feɪθ ɑːn ɔːl ˈmætərz ˈdekrətɪv ənd ðens ɑːn ðə ˌdekərˈeɪʃən ʌv ˈɡɑːrdənz/
Line 3
I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.
/aɪ teɪk sʌm ˈkredət tuː ˌmaɪˈself fɔːr ˈhævɪŋ ðə ˈkɜːrədʒ ʌv maɪ ˌmɑːdərˈeɪʃən sɪns juː ˈɑːbviəsli ɪkˈspekt ə mɔːr ˈswiːpɪŋ rɪˈplaɪ/
Line 4
The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"
Line 5
To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

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.

banishment noun US /ˈbænɪʃmənt/

the state of being banished or ostracized (excluded from society by general consent)

From this reading “The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"”

decoration noun US /ˌdekərˈeɪʃən/

something used to beautify

From this reading “The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.”

decorative adjective US /ˈdekrətɪv/

serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose

From this reading “The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.”

inconvenient adjective US /ˌɪnkənˈviːnjənt/

not suited to your comfort, purpose or needs

From this reading “"All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.”

moderation noun US /ˌmɑːdərˈeɪʃən/

quality of being moderate and avoiding extremes

From this reading “I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.”

prophetic adjective US /prəˈfetɪk/

foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention

From this reading “To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.”

proverb noun US /ˈprɑːvərb/

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

From this reading “"All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.”

recalling verb US /rɪˈkɔːlɪŋ/

-ing form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading “The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"”

All words in this reading · 120

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 The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

AlladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

askverbUS /æsk/

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

askedverbUS /æskt/

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

badadjectiveUS /bæd/

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

banishmentnounUS /ˈbænɪʃmənt/

the state of being banished or ostracized (excluded from society by general consent)

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

bedding-out

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

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

cameverbUS /keɪm/

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

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

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

comfortablyadverbUS /ˈkʌmfərtəbli/

in mental comfort; without stress

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

compactnounUS /ˈkɑːmpækt/

a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

confessionnounUS /kənˈfeʃən/

an admission of misdeeds or faults

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

confidencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfədəns/

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

convincedadjectiveUS /kənˈvɪnst/

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

couragenounUS /ˈkɜːrədʒ/

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

creditnounUS /ˈkredət/

approval

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

DEARadjectiveUS /dɪr/

dearly loved

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

decorationnounUS /ˌdekərˈeɪʃən/

something used to beautify

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

decorativeadjectiveUS /ˈdekrətɪv/

serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

deliberateadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪbərət/

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

discoververbUS /dɪˈskʌvər/

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

easyadjectiveUS /ˈiːzi/

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

eldersnounUS /ˈeldərz/

plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

faithnounUS /feɪθ/

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

fashionnounUS /ˈfæʃən/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

fineadjectiveUS /faɪn/

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

fitverbUS /fɪt/

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

flowersnounUS /ˈflaʊərz/

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

FRIENDnounUS /frend/

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

gardensnounUS /ˈɡɑːrdənz/

plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

grown-up

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

hatefuladjectiveUS /ˈheɪtfəl/

evoking or deserving hatred

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

hideousadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdiəs/

grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

inconvenientadjectiveUS /ˌɪnkənˈviːnjənt/

not suited to your comfort, purpose or needs

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

LITTLEadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

made-upadjective

having been paved

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

mattersnounUS /ˈmætərz/

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

mindsnounUS /maɪndz/

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

moderationnounUS /ˌmɑːdərˈeɪʃən/

quality of being moderate and avoiding extremes

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

obviouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːbviəsli/

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

odornounUS /ˈoʊdər/

any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

offerverbUS /ˈɔːfər/

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

OldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/

out of fashion

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

one's

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

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

opinionnounUS /əˈpɪnjən/

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

opinionsnounUS /əˈpɪnjənz/

plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

painsnounUS /peɪnz/

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

propheticadjectiveUS /prəˈfetɪk/

foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

ProverbnounUS /ˈprɑːvərb/

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

re-extermination

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

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

recallingverbUS /rɪˈkɔːlɪŋ/

-ing form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

reflectverbUS /rɪˈflekt/

manifest or bring back

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

refuseverbUS /rəˈfjuːz/

show unwillingness towards

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

reliefnounUS /rɪˈliːf/

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

replynounUS /rɪˈplaɪ/

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

Ribbon-gardening

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

sidesnounUS /saɪdz/

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

slowlyadverbUS /ˈsloʊli/

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading To discover one's own deliberate opinion upon a subject is not always easy--prophetic opinions one must refuse to offer.

subjectsnounUS /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

sweepingadjectiveUS /ˈswiːpɪŋ/

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

systemnounUS /ˈsɪstəm/

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading I take some credit to myself for having the courage of my moderation, since you obviously expect a more sweeping reply.

tendencynounUS /ˈtendənsi/

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

thenceadverbUS /ðens/

from that place or that time

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

touchingadjectiveUS /ˈtʌtʃɪŋ/

arousing affect

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The more I reflect upon it, the more I am convinced it is a comfortably compact confession of my faith on all matters decorative, and thence on the decoration of gardens.

Wasn't

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

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

Willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The bedding-out system is in bad odor just now; and you ask, "Wasn't it hideous?" and "Wasn't it hateful?" and "Will it ever come into fashion again, to the re-extermination of the dear old-fashioned flowers which we are now slowly, and with pains, recalling from banishment?"

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

youthnounUS /juːθ/

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading "All is fine that is fit."--_Old Proverb._ DEAR LITTLE FRIEND, When, with the touching confidence of youth that your elders have made-up as well as grown-up minds on all subjects, you asked my opinion on _Ribbon-gardening_, the above proverb came into my head, to the relief of its natural tendency to see an inconvenient number of sides to every question.

Chapter 14 of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories by Juliana Horatia Ewing holds 106 sentences, grouped into 22 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 14 of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories contain?

Chapter 14 holds 106 sentences of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories, unabridged, divided into 22 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 14 of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories by Juliana Horatia Ewing exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 106 sentences, grouped into 22 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 14 of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories?

Work through the 22 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 22 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 14 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 14 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories

Common questions about reading Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories by Juliana Horatia Ewing on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories?

Yes. All 3385 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #25710 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #25710, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories take to read?

About 282 minutes of reading across 677 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories section by section

How to work through Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 21 chapters of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories to begin.

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    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories

Words and structures a reader meets early in Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Words
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Final
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Collection
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stories
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Last Words: A Final Collection of Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.