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Mistress Anne
Mistress Anne

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of Mistress Anne is here in full — 328 sentences across 66 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/65 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
_In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.
The last stood highest in her esteem.
It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.
Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.
When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Mistress Anne

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of Mistress Anne is here in full — 328 sentences across 66 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/65 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.
Line 2
The last stood highest in her esteem.
/ðə læst stʊd ˈhaɪəst ɪn hɜːr əˈstiːm/
Line 3
It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.
Line 4
Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.
/ˈeni mæn maɪt spɪl hɪz blʌd fɔːr hɪz ˈkʌntri ənd əˈmʌŋ ðoʊz ˈɜːrli ˈhɑːləndərz wɜːr ˈmeni huːz blʌd wɑːz red ˌɪnˈsted ʌv bluː bʌt ɪt wɑːz ˈoʊnli ə tʃɔɪs fjuː huː ɪn ðə ˈɜːrli deɪz ʌv ðə ˈkʌntriz ˈhɪstəri hæd bɪn əˈpɔɪntɪd baɪ ðə kraʊn ɔːr ɪˈlektəd baɪ ðə ˈpiːpəl tuː pəˈzɪʃənz ʌv ˈɪnfluːəns ənd ʌv əˈθɔːrəti/
Line 5
When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

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.

ancestral adjective US /ænˈsestrəl/

inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent

From this reading “_In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.”

badges noun US /ˈbædʒɪz/

plural of “badge” — an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.)

From this reading “When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.”

country's noun US /ˈkʌntriz/

possessive form of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading “Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.”

Hollanders noun US /ˈhɑːləndərz/

plural of “hollander” — a native or inhabitant of Holland

From this reading “Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.”

sanctity noun US /ˈsæŋktɪti/

the quality of being holy

From this reading “It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.”

societies noun US /səˈsaɪətiz/

plural of “society” — an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading “_In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.”

spill verb US /spɪl/

cause or allow (a liquid substance) to run or flow from a container

From this reading “Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.”

Usurps verb US /ˌjuːˈsɜːrps/

third-person singular of “usurp” — seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession

From this reading “_In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.”

All words in this reading · 104

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 Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

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 When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

ancestraladjectiveUS /ænˈsestrəl/

inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

AncientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

AnyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

appointedadjectiveUS /əˈpɔɪntɪd/

subject to appointment

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

AUNTnounUS /ænt/

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

authoritynounUS /əˈθɔːrəti/

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

badgesnounUS /ˈbædʒɪz/

plural of “badge” — an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.)

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

belongedverbUS /bɪˈlɔːŋd/

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

bertha

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

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

blackadjectiveUS /blæk/

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

bloodnounUS /blʌd/

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

blueadjectiveUS /bluː/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

CHESLEY

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

choicenounUS /tʃɔɪs/

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

ColonialadjectiveUS /kəˈloʊniəl/

of or relating to or characteristic of or inhabiting a colony

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

country'snounUS /ˈkʌntriz/

possessive form of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

CrownnounUS /kraʊn/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

deepadjectiveUS /diːp/

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

dependentadjectiveUS /dɪˈpendənt/

relying on or requiring a person or thing for support, supply, or what is needed

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

diamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/

plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

DutchadjectiveUS /dʌtʃ/

of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

electedadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektəd/

subject to popular election

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

esteemnounUS /əˈstiːm/

the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)

From this reading The last stood highest in her esteem.

EvenounUS /iːv/

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

exclusivenessnoun

tendency to associate with only a select group

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

familynounUS /ˈfæməli/

a social unit living together

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

favoritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/

something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

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 Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

fightingnounUS /ˈfaɪtɪŋ/

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

forbears

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

hardestadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdəst/

superlative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

henceadverbUS /hens/

for this reason

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading The last stood highest in her esteem.

highestadjectiveUS /ˈhaɪəst/

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The last stood highest in her esteem.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/

the aggregate of past events

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

holdingnounUS /ˈhoʊldɪŋ/

the act of retaining something

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

HollandersnounUS /ˈhɑːləndərz/

plural of “hollander” — a native or inhabitant of Holland

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

influencenounUS /ˈɪnfluːəns/

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

insteadadverbUS /ˌɪnˈsted/

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

laceverbUS /leɪs/

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading The last stood highest in her esteem.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

MasculineadjectiveUS /ˈmæskjələn/

of grammatical gender

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

MAUDE

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

meetingnounUS /ˈmiːtɪŋ/

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

organizationnounUS /ˌɔːrɡənəˈzeɪʃən/

a group of people who work together

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

patrioticadjectiveUS /ˌpeɪtriˈɑːtɪk/

inspired by love for your country

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

positionsnounUS /pəˈzɪʃənz/

plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

PrivilegenounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒ/

a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

rednounUS /red/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

RevolutionaryadjectiveUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃəneri/

markedly new or introducing radical change

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

roundsnounUS /raʊndz/

plural of “round” — a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

sanctitynounUS /ˈsæŋktɪti/

the quality of being holy

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

shouldersnounUS /ˈʃoʊldərz/

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

societiesnounUS /səˈsaɪətiz/

plural of “society” — an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

spillverbUS /spɪl/

cause or allow (a liquid substance) to run or flow from a container

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The last stood highest in her esteem.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

UsurpsverbUS /ˌjuːˈsɜːrps/

third-person singular of “usurp” — seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was the hardest to get into, hence there was about it the sanctity of exclusiveness.

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

WhichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading _In Which Eve Usurps an Ancient Masculine Privilege._ AUNT MAUDE CHESLEY belonged to the various patriotic societies which are dependent on Revolutionary fighting blood, on Dutch forbears, or on the ancestral holding of Colonial office.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading Any man might spill his blood for his country, and among those early Hollanders were many whose blood was red instead of blue, but it was only a choice few who in the early days of the country's history had been appointed by the Crown or elected by the people to positions of influence and of authority.

woreverbUS /wɔːr/

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading When Aunt Maude went to the meeting of her favorite organization, she wore always black velvet which showed the rounds of her shoulders, point lace in a deep bertha, the family diamonds, and all of her badges.

Chapter 12 of Mistress Anne by Temple Bailey holds 328 sentences, grouped into 66 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 12 of Mistress Anne contain?

Chapter 12 holds 328 sentences of Mistress Anne, unabridged, divided into 66 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of Mistress Anne by Temple Bailey exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 328 sentences, grouped into 66 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 12 of Mistress Anne?

Work through the 66 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 66 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 12 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 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 Mistress Anne

Common questions about reading Mistress Anne by Temple Bailey on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Mistress Anne?

Yes. All 6936 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #23246 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Mistress Anne is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #23246, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Mistress Anne take to read?

About 578 minutes of reading across 1388 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Mistress Anne section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 24 chapters of Mistress Anne 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 Mistress Anne

Words and structures a reader meets early in Mistress Anne, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Mistress Anne; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Contrary
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Mistress Anne; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
United
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Mistress Anne; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
States
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Mistress Anne; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.