Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Miss Mephistopheles
Miss Mephistopheles

Chapter II · Keith Meets with an Adventure

Chapter II of Miss Mephistopheles, “Keith Meets with an Adventure,” is here in full — 106 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Miss Mephistopheles
Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.
The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.
Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.
After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.
They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.
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.

Miss Mephistopheles

Chapter II · Keith Meets with an Adventure

Chapter II of Miss Mephistopheles, “Keith Meets with an Adventure,” is here in full — 106 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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

Line 1
After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.
/ˈæftər ə stɔːrm kʌmz ə kɑːm soʊ nekst ˈmɔːrnɪŋ ðə sʌn wɑːz ˈʃaɪnɪŋ ˈbraɪtli ɪn ðə bluː skaɪ ənd ðə ɜːrθ hæd ðæt kliːn ˈhoʊlsəm əˈpɪrəns ˈɔːlweɪz tuː biː siːn ˈæftər ˈhevi reɪnz/
Line 2
The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.
Line 3
Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.
Line 4
After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.
Line 5
They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

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.

accentuated verb US /ækˈsentʃuːeɪtɪd/

past form of “accentuate” — to stress, single out as important

From this reading “They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.”

dashes noun US /ˈdæʃɪz/

plural of “dash” — distinctive and stylish elegance

From this reading “They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.”

drenched adjective US /drentʃt/

abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination

From this reading “The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.”

emerald noun US /ˈemrəld/

a green transparent form of beryl; highly valued as a gemstone

From this reading “They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.”

Ezra noun US /ˈezrə/

a Jewish priest and scribe sent by the Persian king to restore Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem

From this reading “After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.”

invigorating adjective US /ˌɪnˈvɪɡəreɪtɪŋ/

imparting strength and vitality

From this reading “The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.”

quickening noun US /ˈkwɪkənɪŋ/

the process of showing signs of life

From this reading “Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.”

vegetable noun US /ˈvedʒtəbəl/

edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant

From this reading “Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

blue sky adjective + noun

the sky as viewed during daylight

In this reading “After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.”

next morning adjective + noun

In this reading “After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.”

heavy rains adjective + noun counted as “heavy rain”

In this reading “After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.”

young man adjective + noun

a teenager or a young adult male

In this reading “After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.”

high wind adjective + noun

a very strong wind

In this reading “The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.”

vegetable life noun + noun

In this reading “Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.”

through the gardens preposition + article + noun counted as “through … garden”

In this reading “They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.”

into town preposition + noun

In this reading “After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.”

All words in this reading · 118

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 After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

accentuatedverbUS /ækˈsentʃuːeɪtɪd/

past form of “accentuate” — to stress, single out as important

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

admiringverbUS /ædˈmaɪrɪŋ/

-ing form of “admire” — feel admiration for

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

animalnounUS /ˈænəməl/

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

askedverbUS /æskt/

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

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

assented

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

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

atmospherenounUS /ˈætməsfɪr/

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

back-ground

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

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

bloomnounUS /bluːm/

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

blueadjectiveUS /bluː/

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

breakfastverbUS /ˈbrekfəst/

eat an early morning meal

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

brightlyadverbUS /ˈbraɪtli/

with brightness

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

calmverbUS /kɑːm/

make calm or still

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

chillinessnoun

the property of being moderately cold

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

cleanadjectiveUS /kliːn/

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

colouradjectiveUS /ˈkʌlər/

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

comesnounUS /kʌmz/

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

dashesnounUS /ˈdæʃɪz/

plural of “dash” — distinctive and stylish elegance

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

drenchedadjectiveUS /drentʃt/

abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

driedadjectiveUS /draɪd/

not still wet

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

earthnounUS /ɜːrθ/

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

emeraldnounUS /ˈemrəld/

a green transparent form of beryl; highly valued as a gemstone

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

EzranounUS /ˈezrə/

a Jewish priest and scribe sent by the Persian king to restore Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

Fitzroy

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

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

flowersnounUS /ˈflaʊərz/

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

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

foliagenounUS /ˈfoʊlɪdʒ/

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

GardensnounUS /ˈɡɑːrdənz/

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

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/

in a willing manner

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

gladnessnoun

experiencing joy and pleasure

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

glisteningadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪsənɪŋ/

reflecting light

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

greennounUS /ɡriːn/

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

heavyadjectiveUS /ˈhevi/

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

highlyadverbUS /ˈhaɪli/

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

IndeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

inspiritingadjective

cheerfully encouraging

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

invigoratingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪɡəreɪtɪŋ/

imparting strength and vitality

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

Keith

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

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

mildlyadverbUS /ˈmaɪldli/

to a moderate degree

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

new-born

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

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

papernounUS /ˈpeɪpər/

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

particularadjectiveUS /pərˈtɪkjələr/

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

PennynounUS /ˈpeni/

a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

pleasantadjectiveUS /ˈplezənt/

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

quickeningnounUS /ˈkwɪkənɪŋ/

the process of showing signs of life

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

rainsnounUS /reɪnz/

plural of “rain” — water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

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

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

sensenounUS /sens/

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

sharplyadverbUS /ˈʃɑːrpli/

in an aggressive manner

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

shiningadjectiveUS /ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

skynounUS /skaɪ/

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

slightnounUS /slaɪt/

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

slowlyadverbUS /ˈsloʊli/

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

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

springnounUS /sprɪŋ/

the season of growth

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

statuesnounUS /ˈstætʃuːz/

plural of “statue” — a sculpture representing a human or animal

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

stormverbUS /stɔːrm/

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

streetsnounUS /striːts/

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

strolledverbUS /stroʊld/

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

sunnounUS /sʌn/

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

townnounUS /taʊn/

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

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

treesnounUS /triːz/

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

vegetablenounUS /ˈvedʒtəbəl/

edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

vividadjectiveUS /ˈvɪvəd/

evoking lifelike images within the mind

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

walknounUS /wɔːk/

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

whilstconjunctionUS /waɪlst/

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading Indeed, it was like a spring morning, mildly inspiriting; whilst all around there seemed to be a pleasant sense of new-born gladness quickening both animal and vegetable life.

WhistleverbUS /ˈwɪsəl/

make whistling sounds

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

whitenounUS /waɪt/

a Caucasian

From this reading They strolled slowly through the gardens, admiring the glistening green of the trees, the white statues sharply accentuated against their emerald back-ground, and the vivid dashes of bright colour given by the few flowers then in bloom.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

wholesomeadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊlsəm/

conducive to or characteristic of physical or moral well-being

From this reading After a storm comes a calm; so next morning the sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, and the earth had that clean, wholesome appearance always to be seen after heavy rains.

windnounUS /waɪnd/

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The high wind had dried the streets, the drenched foliage of the trees in the Fitzroy Gardens looked fresh and green, and there was a slight chilliness in the atmosphere which was highly invigorating.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

workedverbUS /wɜːrkt/

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading After breakfast, Ezra, who was going to the office of _The Penny Whistle_, the paper for which he worked, asked Keith to walk into town with him, and, as the young man had nothing particular to do, he gladly assented.

Chapter 2 of Miss Mephistopheles by Fergus Hume holds 106 sentences, grouped into 22 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of Miss Mephistopheles contain?

Chapter 2 holds 106 sentences of Miss Mephistopheles, unabridged, divided into 22 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of Miss Mephistopheles by Fergus Hume exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 106 sentences, grouped into 22 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 2 of Miss Mephistopheles?

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

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

Can chapter 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 can be played aloud in United States English.

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

Questions about reading Miss Mephistopheles

Common questions about reading Miss Mephistopheles by Fergus Hume on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Miss Mephistopheles?

Yes. All 3851 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #55378 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Miss Mephistopheles is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #55378, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Miss Mephistopheles take to read?

About 320 minutes of reading across 771 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Miss Mephistopheles section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 30 chapters of Miss Mephistopheles 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 Miss Mephistopheles

Words and structures a reader meets early in Miss Mephistopheles, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Mephistopheles
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Miss Mephistopheles; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Novel
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Miss Mephistopheles; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sequel
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Miss Mephistopheles; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Madame
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Miss Mephistopheles; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.