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Lucretia — Complete
Lucretia — Complete

Chapter XVI · The Lawyer and the Body-Snatcher

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Context Illustration Reading 1/42 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.
And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.
However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.
As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.
This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Lucretia — Complete

Chapter XVI · The Lawyer and the Body-Snatcher

Reading 1/42 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.
Line 2
And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.
Line 3
However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.
Line 4
As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.
Line 5
This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

Learner Dictionary

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

Across preposition US /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading “And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.”

Avarice noun US /ˈæv.ər.ɪs/

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

From this reading “This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.”

Born noun US /born/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.”

Fair noun US /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.”

Name noun US /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.”

All words in this reading · 151

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

according

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

adventure

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

age

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

appointment

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

ascertained

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

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

astuteness

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

attracted

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

avaricenounUS /ˈæv.ər.ɪs/

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

back

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

Beck

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

belly

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

benighted

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

bold

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

bornnounUS /born/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

brain

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

cabriolet

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

certainly

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

common-sense

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

conceived

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

confused

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

conversation

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

cunning

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

dark-lanterns

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

deaf

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

deep

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

desire

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

desultory

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

dreary-looking

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

ears

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

easy

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

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

engender

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

entered

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

evening

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

eyes

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

fairnounUS /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

fancy

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

flitted

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

fresh

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

gave

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

guide

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

hard

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

heart

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

held

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

high

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

house

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From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

illumined

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

increased

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From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

indifference

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

inmates

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

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

joyless

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

kind

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

learn

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

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

listened

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

lively

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

living

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

London

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

lover

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From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

met

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

miserable

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

namenounUS /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

natural

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

novels

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From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

now

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From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

only

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

operas

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From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

opportunity

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From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

pathos

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

Percival

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From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

pity

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

plays

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

plucked

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

reflected

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From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

reluctantly

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From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

represented

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

reproach

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

rising

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

romance

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

rope-ladders

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From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

rot

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

sailor's

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From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

scaling

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From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

science

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

showed

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From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

sigh

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

slowly

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From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

social

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From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

some

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

souls

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

spot

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

stones

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

strange

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

stranger

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

sympathies

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

talked

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

temperament

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

up

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

visions

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

vocation

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

walked

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

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

walls

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

want

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

watch

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

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

wealth

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading As slowly and reluctantly he walked back to the spot where he had left his cabriolet, he entered into some desultory conversation with his strange guide; and the pity he had before conceived for Beck increased upon him as he talked and listened.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading And Percival looked at the high walls with the sailor’s bold desire for adventure, while confused visions reflected from plays, operas, and novels, in which scaling walls with rope-ladders and dark-lanterns was represented as the natural vocation of a lover, flitted across his brain; and certainly he gave a deep sigh as his common-sense plucked him back from such romance.

wither

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading However, having now ascertained the house, it would be easy to learn the name of its inmates, and to watch or make his opportunity.

youth

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

From this reading This benighted mind, only illumined by a kind of miserable astuteness and that “cunning of the belly” which is born of want to engender avarice; this joyless temperament; this age in youth; this living reproach, rising up from the stones of London against our social indifference to the souls which wither and rot under the hard eyes of science and the deaf ears of wealth,--had a pathos for his lively sympathies and his fresh heart.

youthful

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

From this reading That same evening Beck, according to appointment, met Percival and showed him the dreary-looking house which held the fair stranger who had so attracted his youthful fancy.