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Little Women
Little Women

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Little Women is here in full — 4316 sentences across 864 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Little Women
Context Illustration Reading 1/863 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.
And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much lovering in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”
The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.
The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.
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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.

Little Women

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Little Women is here in full — 4316 sentences across 864 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/863 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...
Line 2
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.
Line 3
And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too muchloveringin the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”
Line 4
The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.
Line 5
The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankindbrother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

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.

Books noun US /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading “The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.”

All words in this reading · 117

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.

a

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

about

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

afraid

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

afresh

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

all

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

and

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

any

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

as

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

at

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

august

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

be

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

begin

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

better

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

blossoms

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

brother

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

brought

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

busy

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

but

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

by

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

calls

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

can

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

changes

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

CHAPTER

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

character

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

charity

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

dashing

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

elders

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

expect

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

family

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

fear

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

few

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

folks

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

found

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

four

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

free

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

gay

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

girls

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

go

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

GOSSIP

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

grace

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

have

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

here

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

him

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

his

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

home

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

house

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

I

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

I'm

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

if

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

In

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

into

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

is

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

it

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

learning

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

let

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

little

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

lovely

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

lovering

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

make

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

making

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

man

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

mankind

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

March

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

Marches

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

may

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

me

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

Meg's

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

minds

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

minister

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

Mr

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

Mrs

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

much

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

nature

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

neighbor

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

not

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

objection

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

of

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

only

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

order

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

over

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

parish

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

passed

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

piety

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

premise

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

quiet

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

rich

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

safely

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

say

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

small

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

start

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

story

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

studious

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

than

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

that

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

the

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

there

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

they

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

think

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

three

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

to

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

too

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

TWENTY-FOUR

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

war

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

way

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

we

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

wedding

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

From this reading In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding...

well

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

What

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

when

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

which

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

will

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

wisdom

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

From this reading The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

with

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

From this reading CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

years

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

From this reading The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

you

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

young

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

From this reading And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

Chapter 2 of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott holds 4316 sentences, grouped into 864 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 2 of Little Women contain?

Chapter 2 holds 4316 sentences of Little Women, unabridged, divided into 864 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 4316 sentences, grouped into 864 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 2 of Little Women?

Work through the 864 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 864 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 Little Women

Common questions about reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Little Women?

Yes. All 8966 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #514 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Little Women is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #514, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Little Women take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1794 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Little Women section by section

How to work through Little Women section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 2 chapters of Little Women to begin.

  2. Read one section

    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 Little Women

Words and structures a reader meets early in Little Women, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Women; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Playing
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Women; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Pilgrims
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Women; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Christmas
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Women; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.