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Madame Chrysantheme — Complete
Madame Chrysantheme — Complete

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete is here in full — 15 sentences across 3 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Madame Chrysantheme — Complete
Context Illustration Reading 1/3 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
July 10, 1885.
Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.
In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.
The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.
We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.
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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.

Madame Chrysantheme — Complete

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete is here in full — 15 sentences across 3 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/3 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
July 10, 1885.
Line 2
Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.
/θriː deɪz hæv pæst sɪns maɪ ˈmerɪdʒ wɑːz æn əˈkɑːmplɪʃt fækt/
Line 3
In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.
Line 4
The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.
Line 5
We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

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.

cosmopolitan adjective US /ˌkɑːzməˈpɑːlətən/

growing or occurring in many parts of the world

From this reading “In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.”

hieroglyphics noun US /ˌhaɪroʊˈɡlɪfɪks/

plural of “hieroglyphic” — writing that resembles hieroglyphics (usually by being illegible)

From this reading “In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.”

jackets noun US /ˈdʒækɪts/

plural of “jacket” — a short coat

From this reading “In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.”

personification noun US /pərˌsɑːnəfəˈkeɪʃən/

a person who represents an abstract quality

From this reading “We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.”

pretentious adjective US /priˈtenʃəs/

making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction

From this reading “In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.”

ratifying verb US /ˈrætəfaɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “ratify” — approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation

From this reading “We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.”

registry noun US /ˈredʒɪstri/

an official written record of names or events or transactions

From this reading “In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.”

Samurai noun US /ˈsæmʊraɪ/

a Japanese warrior who was a member of the feudal military aristocracy

From this reading “In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.”

All words in this reading · 94

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.

10

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

From this reading July 10, 1885.

1885

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

From this reading July 10, 1885.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

absurdadjectiveUS /əbˈsɜːrd/

inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

accomplishedadjectiveUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃt/

highly skilled

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

arrivedverbUS /ərˈaɪvd/

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

booknounUS /bʊk/

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

buildingnounUS /ˈbɪldɪŋ/

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

capsnounUS /kæps/

plural of “cap” — a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

ceremonynounUS /ˈserəmoʊni/

a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

Chrysantheme

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

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

contractverbUS /ˈkɑːntrækt/

enter into a contractual arrangement

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

cosmopolitanadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːzməˈpɑːlətən/

growing or occurring in many parts of the world

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

countersigned

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

creaturesnounUS /ˈkriːtʃərz/

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

deednounUS /diːd/

a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

discreditableadjective

tending to bring discredit or disrepute; blameworthy

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

districtsnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkts/

plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

dressedadjectiveUS /drest/

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

formerlyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrmərli/

at a previous time

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

heatnounUS /hiːt/

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

hieroglyphicsnounUS /ˌhaɪroʊˈɡlɪfɪks/

plural of “hieroglyphic” — writing that resembles hieroglyphics (usually by being illegible)

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

jacketsnounUS /ˈdʒækɪts/

plural of “jacket” — a short coat

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

JulynounUS /ˌdʒuːˈlaɪ/

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading July 10, 1885.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

lawnounUS /lɔː/

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

lowerverbUS /ˈloʊər/

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

marriagenounUS /ˈmerɪdʒ/

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

marvellousadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrvələs/

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

metverbUS /met/

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

middaynounUS /ˈmɪddeɪ/

the middle of the day

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

passedverbUS /pæst/

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

personificationnounUS /pərˌsɑːnəfəˈkeɪʃən/

a person who represents an abstract quality

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

policemennounUS /pəˈliːsmɪn/

plural of “policeman” — a member of a police force

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

pretentiousadjectiveUS /priˈtenʃəs/

making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

ratifyingverbUS /ˈrætəfaɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “ratify” — approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

registrynounUS /ˈredʒɪstri/

an official written record of names or events or transactions

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

RussiannounUS /ˈrʌʃən/

a native or inhabitant of Russia

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

SamurainounUS /ˈsæmʊraɪ/

a Japanese warrior who was a member of the feudal military aristocracy

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

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

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

signedadjectiveUS /saɪnd/

having a handwritten signature

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

silken-robed

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

sortnounUS /sɔːrt/

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

ThreenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

tightadjectiveUS /taɪt/

closely constrained or constricted or constricting

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The ceremony took place in the full heat of midday; Chrysantheme and her mother arrived together, and I alone.

townnounUS /taʊn/

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

trembledverbUS /ˈtrembəld/

past form of “tremble” — move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

uglyadjectiveUS /ˈʌɡli/

displeasing to the senses

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Three days have passed since my marriage was an accomplished fact.

WepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the lower part of the town, in one of the new cosmopolitan districts, in an ugly, pretentious building, which is a sort of registry office, the deed was signed and countersigned, with marvellous hieroglyphics, in a large book, in the presence of those absurd little creatures, formerly silken-robed Samurai, but now called policemen, dressed up in tight jackets and Russian caps.

womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading We seemed to have met for the purpose of ratifying some discreditable contract, and the two women trembled in the presence of these ugly little men, who, in their eyes, were the personification of the law.

Chapter 4 of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete by Pierre Loti holds 15 sentences, grouped into 3 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 4 of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete contain?

Chapter 4 holds 15 sentences of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete, unabridged, divided into 3 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete by Pierre Loti exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 15 sentences, grouped into 3 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 4 of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete?

Work through the 3 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 3 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 Madame Chrysantheme — Complete

Common questions about reading Madame Chrysantheme — Complete by Pierre Loti on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete?

Yes. All 1814 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #3995 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #3995, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Madame Chrysantheme — Complete take to read?

About 151 minutes of reading across 363 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Madame Chrysantheme — Complete section by section

How to work through Madame Chrysantheme — Complete section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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Vocabulary met early in Madame Chrysantheme — Complete

Words and structures a reader meets early in Madame Chrysantheme — Complete, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Beheld
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Japan
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Precisely
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Foretold
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Madame Chrysantheme — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.