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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
addition
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
advance
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
Audley
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From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I see by your gesture what would be your reply, and I thank you for it.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
career
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
cautious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
chair
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
chests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
compartments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
death
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
deliberate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
departed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
desk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
effect
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
effort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
Egerton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
entrance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/
to think that something will happen
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
eyes
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
flames
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
fortunes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
gesture
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From this reading I see by your gesture what would be your reply, and I thank you for it.
grave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
grim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
iron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
Leslie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
letters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
liberality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
LifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
lifted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
locks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
manifold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
master-passion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
midnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
moments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
needlessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
open-mouthed
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From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
papers
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From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
past
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From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
patent
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From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
plucked
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
position
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
power
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From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
private
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
Public
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
Randal
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From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
Randal's
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
receiving
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From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
relics
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From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
reply
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From this reading I see by your gesture what would be your reply, and I thank you for it.
round
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
said
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
seated
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From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
see
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From this reading I see by your gesture what would be your reply, and I thank you for it.
signed
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From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
silently
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From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
statesman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
stern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
Strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
summoned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
task
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
testament
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
thank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I see by your gesture what would be your reply, and I thank you for it.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Strong, stern, and grim looked those iron chests, silently receiving the relics of power departed; strong, stern, and grim as the grave.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
tones
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
transferring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
turning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
unkind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
wantonly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
waste-basket
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I see by your gesture what would be your reply, and I thank you for it.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The statesman was then alone, seated before his great desk, with its manifold compartments, and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters, some to the waste-basket, some to the flames, some to two great iron chests with patent locks, that stood, open-mouthed, at his feet.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I see by your gesture what would be your reply, and I thank you for it.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Audley lifted his eyes at Randal’s entrance, signed to him to take a chair, continued his task for a few moments, and then turning round, as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion,--Public Life, he said, with deliberate tones, “I know not, Randal Leslie, whether you thought me needlessly cautious, or wantonly unkind, when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect,--never to expect from my liberality in life, nor from my testament in death, an addition to your private fortunes.
