Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1
Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 is here in full — 130 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1
Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.
As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.
Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.
The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.
"God's death, what means this turmoil?
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 is here in full — 130 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.
/ə ˈfɔːrtnaɪt ˈleɪtər ʌv ə ˈsʌndeɪ ˈmɔːrnɪŋ ðə lɔːrd ˈtʃeɪmbərlən ʌv ˈɪŋɡlənd wɑːz dɪˈstɜːrbd aʊt ʌv hɪz ˈjuːʒəwəl ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ə.t̬i/
Line 2
As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.
Line 3
Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.
Line 4
The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.
Line 5
"God's death, what means this turmoil?
/ɡɑːdz deθ wʌt miːnz ðɪs ˈtɜːrmɔɪl/

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.

bronzed adjective US /brɑːnzd/

(of skin) having a tan color from exposure to the sun

From this reading “Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.”

equanimity noun US /ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ə.t̬i/

Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.

From this reading “A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.”

flamingo noun US /fləˈmɪŋɡoʊ/

large pink to scarlet web-footed wading bird with down-bent bill; inhabits brackish lakes

From this reading “The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.”

Greenwich noun US /ˈɡrenɪtʃ/

a borough of Greater London on the Thames; zero degrees of longitude runs through Greenwich; time is measured relative to Greenwich Mean Time

From this reading “As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.”

peevish adjective US /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

easily irritated or annoyed

From this reading “Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.”

petitions noun US /pəˈtɪʃənz/

plural of “petition” — a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

From this reading “As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.”

resplendent adjective US /riˈsplendənt/

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading “Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.”

treading verb US /ˈtredɪŋ/

-ing form of “tread” — put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading “As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.”

All words in this reading · 101

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

ante-chapel

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

anxietynounUS /æŋˈzaɪəti/

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

archbishopnounUS /ˈɑːrtʃˈbɪʃəp/

a bishop of highest rank

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

argumentnounUS /ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/

a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

bishopnounUS /ˈbɪʃəp/

a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

boisterousadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪstərəs/

noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

bronzedadjectiveUS /brɑːnzd/

(of skin) having a tan color from exposure to the sun

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

chainsnounUS /tʃeɪnz/

metal shackles; for hands or legs

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

ChamberlainnounUS /ˈtʃeɪmbərlən/

British statesman who as Prime Minister pursued a policy of appeasement toward fascist Germany (1869-1940)

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

chapelnounUS /ˈtʃæpəl/

a place of worship that has its own altar

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

councillors

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

courtiersnounUS /ˈkɔːrtiərz/

plural of “courtier” — an attendant at the court of a sovereign

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

crownnounUS /kraʊn/

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

curledadjectiveUS /kɜːrld/

(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading "God's death, what means this turmoil?

disturbedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɜːrbd/

having the place or position changed

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

doornounUS /dɔːr/

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

entrancenounUS /ˈentrəns/

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

equanimitynounUS /ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ə.t̬i/

Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

eyenounUS /aɪ/

the organ of sight

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

facenounUS /feɪs/

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

flamingonounUS /fləˈmɪŋɡoʊ/

large pink to scarlet web-footed wading bird with down-bent bill; inhabits brackish lakes

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/

a period of fourteen consecutive days

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

gentlemannounUS /ˈdʒentəlmən/

a man of refinement

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

God'snounUS /ɡɑːdz/

possessive form of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading "God's death, what means this turmoil?

goldnounUS /ɡoʊld/

coins made of gold

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

good-humouredadjective

disposed to please

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

GreenwichnounUS /ˈɡrenɪtʃ/

a borough of Greater London on the Thames; zero degrees of longitude runs through Greenwich; time is measured relative to Greenwich Mean Time

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

guardnounUS /ɡɑːrd/

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

headnounUS /hed/

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

HurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/

moving with great haste

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

inspectionnounUS /ˌɪnˈspekʃən/

a formal or official examination

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

lateradverbUS /ˈleɪtər/

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

leadingadjectiveUS /ˈliːdɪŋ/

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.

LordnounUS /lɔːrd/

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

meansnounUS /miːnz/

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading "God's death, what means this turmoil?

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

noddingadjectiveUS /ˈnɑːdɪŋ/

having branches or flower heads that bend downward

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

noisenounUS /nɔɪz/

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

officersnounUS /ˈɔːfəsərz/

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

outspreadadjective

fully extended in width

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.

pairnounUS /per/

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.

PalacenounUS /ˈpæləs/

a large and stately mansion

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

passverbUS /pæs/

go across or through

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

peevishadjectiveUS /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

easily irritated or annoyed

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

petitionsnounUS /pəˈtɪʃənz/

plural of “petition” — a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

presence-chamber

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

QueennounUS /kwiːn/

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

receivedadjectiveUS /rəˈsiːvd/

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

rednounUS /red/

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

resplendentadjectiveUS /riˈsplendənt/

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

rightadverbUS /raɪt/

precisely, exactly

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

RoyaladjectiveUS /ˈrɔɪəl/

of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

rudeadjectiveUS /ruːd/

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

rushesnounUS /ˈrʌʃəz/

plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

Seigneurnoun

a man of rank in the ancient regime

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

shockedadjectiveUS /ʃɑːkt/

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

statenounUS /steɪt/

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

SundaynounUS /ˈsʌndeɪ/

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

sweptadjectiveUS /swept/

possessing sweep

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading "God's death, what means this turmoil?

thitheradverbUS /ˈðɪθɜːr/

an old word meaning “to that place”

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

treadingverbUS /ˈtredɪŋ/

-ing form of “tread” — put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

turmoilnounUS /ˈtɜːrmɔɪl/

a violent disturbance

From this reading "God's death, what means this turmoil?

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.

urgedverbUS /ɜːrdʒd/

past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading A fortnight later, of a Sunday morning, the Lord Chamberlain of England was disturbed out of his usual equanimity.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "God's death, what means this turmoil?

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

wingsnounUS /wɪŋz/

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain swept down upon the pair like a flamingo with wings outspread.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Hurrying thither in shocked anxiety, he found a curled gentleman of the guard, resplendent in red velvet and gold chains, in peevish argument with a boisterous Seigneur of a bronzed good-humoured face, who urged his entrance to the presence-chamber.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading As he was treading the rushes in the presence-chamber of the Royal Palace at Greenwich, his eye busy in inspection--for the Queen would soon pass on her way to chapel--his head nodding right and left to archbishop, bishop, councillors of state, courtiers, and officers of the crown, he heard a rude noise at the door leading into the ante-chapel, where the Queen received petitions from the people.

Chapter 7 of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 by Gilbert Parker holds 130 sentences, grouped into 26 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 7 of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 contain?

Chapter 7 holds 130 sentences of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1, unabridged, divided into 26 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 7 of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 by Gilbert Parker exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 130 sentences, grouped into 26 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 7 of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1?

Work through the 26 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 26 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 7 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 7 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 Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1

Common questions about reading Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 by Gilbert Parker on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1?

Yes. All 770 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #6250 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #6250, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 take to read?

About 64 minutes of reading across 154 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 section by section

How to work through Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 7 chapters of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1 to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1

Words and structures a reader meets early in Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Southampton
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Search
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Register
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Walloon
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.